MUSCAT : Asyad Shipping and Vale have received the Sohar Max, the world’s first “Vale Max” class vessel equipped with wind-assisted propulsion technology, as the giant carrier delivered a shipment of iron ore to Vale’s operations in Sohar.

The milestone marks a new phase in the long-standing partnership between the two companies, which is focused on improving vessel efficiency and developing technologies aimed at reducing emissions from iron ore transportation across the value chain.

With a deadweight capacity of 400,000 tonnes, the Sohar Max is designed to transport iron ore over long-distance trade routes linking Brazil, China and the Middle East.

The vessel operates within Vale’s network under a charter agreement with Asyad Shipping and is fitted with five giant rotating sails, each measuring 35 metres in height and five metres in diameter.

Developed by Anemoi Marine Technologies, the sails use the Magnus effect to harness wind and generate additional propulsion, reducing the vessel’s reliance on its main engine and lowering fuel consumption.

The sails are also integrated with a folding system that enables them to be lowered into a horizontal position during port manoeuvres or when passing through areas with vessel-height restrictions, helping improve operational flexibility and cargo-handling efficiency.

According to the companies, independent analysis of operational data has shown that the technology is already delivering significant results.

Since the rotating sail system was installed in October 2024, an analysis carried out by marine performance specialist Enerva Marine found that the Sohar Max recorded a 14 to 31 per cent reduction in main-engine fuel consumption compared with voyages conducted before the system was installed.

The technology has also generated annual fuel-cost savings of more than US$1 million.

Dr. Ibrahim bin Bakheet Al-Nadhiri, CEO of Asyad Shipping, said the vessel demonstrated how wind-assisted propulsion could be practically deployed on some of the world’s largest ships.

He said the project enhances operational efficiency while supporting the Sultanate of Oman’s efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Al-Nadhiri added that innovation and strategic partnerships remain central to developing a more efficient and sustainable maritime transport sector, while continued investment in new technologies would help reduce the company’s carbon footprint and improve operational performance.

Nasser bin Sulaiman Al Azri, CEO of Vale Oman, said the company’s emissions-reduction efforts extended beyond production to include the logistics network connecting its operations with global markets.

He said Vale continues to improve maritime transport efficiency through new vessel designs, technologies and innovations that can enhance performance and reduce emissions across the value chain.

“With Sohar Max, this work has expanded to include giant Vale Max carriers,” Al Azri said, highlighting Oman’s strategic role in connecting Vale’s operations with major iron and steel markets in the region.

The Sohar Max project forms part of a broader partnership involving six agreements between Vale and Asyad Shipping to test different technologies across four Vale-chartered vessels.

The projects are being implemented under Vale’s Eco Shipping programme, which seeks to test and scale lower-carbon technologies across its maritime logistics operations.

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