The company expects to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from navigation.
The technology, known as air lubrication, was installed in the Sea Victoria, a Guaibamax with a capacity of 325 thousand tonnes.
Vale’s navigation team estimates that, if the test is successful, the technology could be replicated on the remainder of the contracted fleet dedicated to transporting the company’s ore.
“Conservative estimates point to a fuel reduction of around 5 to 8%, with a potential reduction of 4.4% in annual emissions from Vale´s maritime transport of iron ore”, explained Vale technical manager of Navigation, Rodrigo Bermelho.
The miner is stepping up environmental, social and governance efforts after recent tailings dam disasters.
Recently, Vale announced the launch of the world’s first ore carrier equipped with rotor sails, scheduled to arrive in Brazil at the end of the month. Like air lubrication, the new technology was installed on a Guaibamax.
