12 Ships Worth 12.2 Billion Yuan! Brazilian Mining Giant to Present a Major Gift to Chinese Shipbuilders

Vale launched its second-generation Valemax vessels (400,000 DWT) in 2018 and Guaibamax vessels (325,000 DWT) in 2019—both among the world’s most energy-efficient ships. Compared with Capesize vessels (180,000 DWT) built in 2011, these new ships reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 41%. Vale has been preparing for the adoption of alternative fuels. Its shipping division’s ‘Eco Maritime Program’ has developed a multi-fuel tank system, which has received Approval in Principle (AIP) from DNV. This multi-fuel tank is designed to accommodate marine fuels including LNG, methanol, and ammonia, and Vale plans to incorporate it into future chartered bulk carriers. Preliminary studies by Vale on the Guaibamax vessel indicate that using methanol or ammonia as fuel could cut emissions by 40–80%; using LNG could reduce emissions by up to 23%. Beyond alternative fuels, Vale’s ‘Eco Maritime Program’ also integrates multiple innovative energy-saving technologies. According to MarineLink, in 2021 Vale took delivery of its first Guaibamax vessel equipped with rotor sails, as well as its first Guaibamax vessel utilizing air-lubrication technology. Vale has pledged to invest up to USD 6 billion starting in 2020 to achieve a 33% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030. The company has also announced a 15% reduction target for Scope 3 emissions—those associated with its value chain—by 2035. Since Vale does not own vessels, emissions generated during shipping fall under its Scope 3 category. These targets align with the ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement. Continued Confidence in China’s Economy, Partnering with Chinese Enterprises to Advance Green, Low-Carbon Development Vale is a Fortune Global 500 company headquartered in Brazil and one of the world’s largest mining firms. It began exporting iron ore to China in 1973; 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Vale’s iron ore exports to China. ‘Vale feels truly honored.’ At an event commemorating 50 years of iron ore exports to China, Eduardo Bartolomeo, CEO of Vale—the Brazilian mining giant—told Xinhua News Agency reporters…

Chinese Shipyards Take the Baton! World’s Largest Wind-Powered Bulk Carrier Completed

Built by New Times Shipbuilding and fitted with five rotor sails at Pacific Ocean Engineering in Zhoushan, two Chinese shipyards jointly completed the project—marking the successful delivery of the world’s first and largest wind-powered bulk carrier under Vale’s ‘Eco Maritime Program.’ Constructed and outfitted by Chinese shipyards, this is the world’s first bulk carrier equipped with rotor sails. The vessel ‘SEA ZHOUSHAN,’ delivered on April 22, is the world’s first Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC) fitted with rotor sails, with a deadweight tonnage of 325,000. Its five rotor sails are expected to improve energy efficiency by up to 8%, reducing annual CO₂ emissions by as much as 3,400 tons. ‘SEA ZHOUSHAN’ is scheduled to depart China for Brazil within the coming days, where it will load its first cargo of iron ore at one of Vale’s Brazilian ports; the average voyage duration is 40 days. Rotor Sail Technology Supplied by a Dutch Manufacturer The rotor sail technology was supplied by Finnish manufacturer Norsepower, a pioneer in modern auxiliary wind propulsion systems. This technology has proven effective in lowering fuel consumption, fuel costs, and CO₂ emissions. ‘SEA ZHOUSHAN’ represents Norsepower’s largest-ever rotor sail installation to date. According to the supplier, the rotor sail project for ‘SEA ZHOUSHAN’ cost several million euros.

Brazilian Miner Vale to More Than Double Sail-Equipped Iron Ore Carrier Fleet

Apr 30, 2026

Vale plans to expand its sail-equipped iron ore carrier fleet to at least 20 vessels within three years to reduce fuel costs and emissions. The new ships will be fuel-flexible, capable of running on ethanol, methanol, or ammonia to mitigate bunker price volatility.

reuters

2026-04-30

Brazilian Miner Vale to More Than Double Sail-Equipped Iron Ore Carrier Fleet

2026-06-11

Vale's Top Shareholder Pushes for Meeting on Chairman's Removal

Brazilian Miner Vale to More Than Double Sail-Equipped Iron Ore Carrier Fleet

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