Vale has welcomed the Sohar Max, a 400,000 DWT Valemax-class iron ore carrier, on its first call to Oman, delivering iron ore to Vale’s operations in Sohar.
Valemax vessels are among the world’s largest bulk carriers, designed to transport large volumes of iron ore on long-distance routes.
Owned by Asyad Shipping and leased to Vale, Sohar Max is designed for deep-sea voyages between Brazil, China and the Middle East. It is equipped with five 35-metre-high rotor sails developed by Anemoi Marine Technologies, which use wind energy to provide additional thrust and reduce fuel consumption.
The rotor sails are fitted with a folding system that allows them to be lowered horizontally during port operations and when passing under height-restricted structures, improving vessel clearance and operational flexibility.
Since the system was installed in October 2024, independent analysis by Enerva Marine has recorded reductions of 14-31pct in main-engine fuel consumption compared with pre-installation voyage performance. Annual fuel-cost savings have exceeded USD 1 million.
The Sohar Max project is part of six technology pilot agreements between Vale and Asyad Shipping covering four vessels leased by Vale.
The trials, conducted under Vale’s Ecoshipping programme, include coatings, hydrodynamic devices, energy-management systems and wind-assisted propulsion aimed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions from iron ore transportation.
Located at Sohar Port, Vale’s Oman pelletizing complex was commissioned in 2011 with an investment of USD 2 bln. The facility has an annual pellet production capacity of 9 mln tons and includes a stockyard and distribution centre capable of handling up to 40 mln tons of iron ore annually.