The Sohar Max, a 400,000-dwt very large ore carrier, is now the largest vessel to adopt wind propulsion, featuring five rotor sails installed by Anemoi Marine Technologies at COSCO Zhoushan shipyard in China.

 

The Sohar Max, a 400,000-dwt very large ore carrier, is now the largest vessel to adopt wind propulsion, featuring five rotor sails installed by Anemoi Marine Technologies at COSCO Zhoushan shipyard in China.

 

The rotor sails, 114 feet tall and 16 feet in diameter, have a unique folding deployment system to minimize impact on cargo handling. This technology aims to reduce fuel consumption by 6% and cut carbon emissions by 3,000 tonnes annually.

 

The project is a collaboration between Brazilian mining giant Vale S.A., Omani shipowner Asyad, and Anemoi. The Sohar Max has completed initial tests during its voyage to Tubarao.