BHP in partnership to harness wind-assisted propulsion

BHP has partnered with Pan Pacific Copper (PPC) and Norsepower (provider of auxiliary wind propulsion systems), to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from maritime transportation between BHP’s mines in Chile and PPC’s smelters in Japan. The parties are conducting a technical assessment, and plan a retrofit installation of a wind-assisted propulsion system onboard the M/V Koryu, a combination carrier operated by Nippon Marine.

BHP and PPC have multi-year agreements for delivery of copper concentrates from Chile to Japan as well as sulfuric acid from Japan to Chile, making the cargo capacity utilisation of M/V Koryu (a 53,762 deadweight tonne combination carrier) one of the highest in the industry.

Norsepower’s Rotor Sails installation is a ‘push-button wind propulsion’ system and is estimated to be around 10 times more efficient than a conventional sail, and requires no reefing or crew attention when in operation. The installation on the M/V Koryu is scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 2023, which is expected to make M/V Koryu the cleanest vessel in its category when measured for GHG emissions intensity.

Norsepower’s Rotor Sails are modernised versions of Flettner rotors, and the technology is based on the Magnus effect that harnesses wind to maximise ship fuel efficiency. When wind conditions are favourable, Rotor Sails allow the main engines to be throttled back, saving fuel and reducing emissions, while also reducing power needed to maintain speed and voyage time.

“Identifying and implementing innovative and sustainable solutions through our strong commodity and supply chain partnerships remain essential in supporting BHP’s decarbonisation ambitions,” said BHP Chief Commercial Officer Vandita Pant. “We look forward to working with PPC on the wind-assisted propulsion system to enable further GHG emissions reduction in our supply chain and add to the already strong partnership between BHP and PPC.”

“Our vision is to set the standard in bringing sailing back to shipping, and empower the maritime industry towards reaching the goal of zero carbon emissions,” said Norsepower CSO Jukka Kuuskoski. “As fuel prices increase and a carbon levy is initiated, investing in technologies which have proven emissions reductions and fuel savings is essential for long-term commercial success. Working with BHP, PPC and Nippon Marine demonstrates the increased commitment to greener operations, particularly within the bulk carrier market. We look forward to completing the installation and seeing the results.”

Image caption: Norsepower’s Rotor Sail, with a tilting foundation, will replace one of the deck cranes in a first-of-its-kind installation onboard MV Koryu.