BHP, in conjunction with Pan Pacific Copper (PPC) and Norsepower, has recently concluded the installation of a Norsepower Rotor Sail™ (NPRS™) on the M/V Koryu. This vessel, operated by Nippon Marine, will be transporting copper concentrates from Chile to Japan and sulphuric acid from Japan to Chile. The installation of the rotor sail was completed in June 2024, and the M/V Koryu is currently embarking on its inaugural voyage following the installation.
The Norsepower Rotor Sail™, which stands at an impressive 35 metres tall with a 5-metre diameter, is equipped with a tilting foundation that allows it to be lowered during cargo loading and discharge operations at ports.
This innovative technology, based on the Magnus effect, harnesses wind power to improve the fuel efficiency of the ship. When wind conditions are favourable, the NPRS™ enables the vessel’s main engines to reduce fuel consumption, thus helping to minimise greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It also contributes to significant savings in fuel and a reduction in power needed to maintain speed and voyage time.
The partnership between the three companies aims to contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions from maritime transportation between Chile and Japan. Through advanced simulations and real-world performance data from Norsepower, it is estimated that the use of NPRS™ can provide a 5-6 percent fuel savings on average for the route between Chile and Japan. Furthermore, the M/V Koryu is expected to become the best-performing vessel in its category in terms of GHG emissions intensity.
BHP, PPC, and Norsepower will be closely monitoring the performance of the NPRS™ onboard the M/V Koryu to ascertain the actual fuel savings and associated GHG emissions reductions.
Rashpal Bhatti, BHP’s Vice President of Maritime & Supply Chain Excellence, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and the potential impact on GHG emissions reduction. Tomonori Uemura, Executive Officer of PPC, also shared his optimism about the project’s contribution to reducing GHG emissions in maritime transportation between Japan and Chile. Meanwhile, Norsepower’s CEO, Heikki Pöntynen, highlighted the significance of the successful retrofit of the Norsepower Rotor Sail™ and its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity by enhancing fuel efficiency in the ship.
This collaborative effort signifies a significant step towards more sustainable shipping and demonstrates how industry leaders can come together to drive positive environmental change. As the M/V Koryu embarks on its journey with the newly installed NPRS™, the effectiveness of this innovative technology in real-world operations will be closely monitored.
In conclusion, the retrofit installation of the Norsepower Rotor Sail™ onboard the M/V Koryu is a promising development in the pursuit of sustainable and environmentally friendly shipping practices. The collaborative efforts of BHP, PPC, and Norsepower reflect a shared commitment to reducing GHG emissions and embracing innovative solutions for a more sustainable future in maritime transportation.