U-Ming Marine Transport Corporation (U-Ming) and Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd. have announced the successful installation of four Rotor Sails on the Grand Pioneer, a 325,000 DWT Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC), at COSCO Zhoushan Shipyard.
The installation marks U-Ming as the first Taiwanese shipowner to adopt Rotor Sails, highlighting its commitment to decarbonisation and clean technology adoption. The four 35-metre tall, five-metre diameter tilting Rotor Sails were delivered fully assembled from Anemoi’s Yangtze River facility and installed using the company’s streamlined plug-and-play process. The sails were lifted and secured in just 1.5 days, with commissioning and testing completed in a further five days during the vessel’s scheduled dry-dock.
Anemoi’s team supervised the project and will join the vessel’s maiden voyage from Zhoushan to Singapore to provide training and operational support.
“The installation of Rotor Sails on Grand Pioneer marks an important step in U-Ming’s decarbonisation journey,” said Jeff Hsu, Vice Chairman of U-Ming. “Through our partnership with Anemoi, we are reducing emissions, enhancing efficiency, and demonstrating our commitment to a sustainable future.”
Clare Urmston, CEO of Anemoi, added: “U-Ming’s decision to adopt Rotor Sails as a first mover in Taiwan demonstrates ambition and leadership. This project underlines the growing momentum of wind propulsion as a pathway to lower-emission shipping.”
Following installation, Grand Pioneer will resume deep-sea service under charter with Vale, with projected fuel and emissions reductions of 10–12% annually.
