TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's U-Ming Marine Transport (裕民航運) installed four rotor sails on its massive ore carrier Wednesday (Oct. 1), becoming Taiwan's first shipping company to adopt wind-powered cylinder technology. The 325,000-deadweight-ton Very Large Ore Carrier Grand Pioneer (裕元輪) received the innovative propulsion system through collaboration with British supplier Anemoi Marine Technologies. The energy-saving technology harnesses wind power through rotating cylinders to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Each rotor sail measures 35 meters (115 feet) tall with a 5-meter (16-foot) diameter, incorporating innovative folding design technology. Anemoi assembled the sails at its Yangtze River production facility before transporting them by barge to COSCO Zhoushan shipyard. The streamlined "plug-and-play" installation process reduced shipyard workload and accelerated project completion timelines.
The Grand Pioneer will resume its transoceanic Brazil-China route after completing rotor sail installation at Zhoushan shipyard. Operating under long-term charter with Brazilian mining giant Vale, the vessel expects to save over 1,600 metric tons of fuel annually. The technology reduces carbon emissions by 10% to 12%, representing a major advancement in sustainable maritime operations.
U-Ming Vice Chairman Jeff Hsu (徐國安) emphasized the company's dual focus on sustainability and global shipping competitiveness. Hsu stated the Anemoi collaboration transforms strategic vision into concrete action for emissions reduction, efficiency enhancement, and long-term value creation. The executive highlighted U-Ming's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with broader industry decarbonization goals. ◼
