World's largest ore carrier starts test voyage to Brazil after refurbishment in China

(ECNS) -- The world's largest ore carrier, Sohar Max, will conduct its first test voyage after being refurbished with a wind propulsion system in China, heading to Tubarao Port in Brazil, according to operator and mining giant Vale on Monday.

Measuring 362 meters in length and with a loading capacity of 400,000 metric tons, the ship has been installed with five cylindrical rotors, each standing 35 meters tall and 5 meters in diameter.

This upgrade makes it one of the largest vessels in the world fitted with a wind propulsion system.

After the vessel completes its voyage from Zhoushan in east China's Zhejiang to Tubarao, it will continue to test its rotors, which will help reduce fuel consumption by up to 6 percent and cut carbon emissions by up to 3,000 metric tons annually.

The company retrofitted its wind propulsion system in Zhoushan, not only due to its confidence in the Chinese port’s reliability as a leading hub for international maritime services but also because it believes wind energy will play a key role in decarbonizing iron ore shipping.