BHP to test Norsepower rotor sails retrofit to reduce GHG emissions

Mining major BHP and Pan Pacific Copper (PPC) will test rotor sails to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation between BHP’s mines in Chile and PPC’s smelters in Japan.

The two companies plan to retrofit the system on a combination carrier and complete the installation process by the third quarter of next year.

The system has been developed by Norsepower, a Finland-based provider of auxiliary wind propulsion systems. The company claims it to be 10 times more efficient than a conventional sail as it uses wind energy to maximise a ship’s fuel efficiency.

During favourable wind conditions, the system throttles back the main engine, saving fuel and reducing emissions, Norsepower says.

Wind-assisted propulsion technology is gaining popularity in the shipping industry to reduce emissions. Japanese shipping firm Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has recently announced plans to equip two bulkers with rotor sails system with the aim to reduce GHG emissions by almost 20%.