On September 30, 2025, U-Ming Marine Transport Corporation achieved a significant milestone in maritime decarbonisation by equipping its 325,000 dwt VLOC, ‘Grand Pioneer’, with four ANEMOI Rotor Sails at COSCO Zhoushan Shipyard. The foldable sails, each 35 meters high, were pre-assembled at Anemoi’s Yangtze facility and installed using a speedy ‘plug & play’ method, with full commissioning completed in just five days during scheduled drydocking. The project, the fourth rotor sail retrofit by COSCO Zhoushan, highlights the yard’s green engineering expertise and the potential of wind propulsion to reduce emissions. U-Ming, Anemoi, and COSCO Zhoushan worked closely to ensure safe and efficient installation. As the ‘Grand Pioneer’ returns to iron ore service for Vale, Brazil, the rotor sails are expected to cut annual fuel consumption and emissions by 10–12%. U-Ming becomes the first Taiwanese shipowner to adopt this technology, setting a regional benchmark for sustainable shipping.
U-Ming’s ‘Grand Pioneer’ Installs Rotor Sails at COSCO Zhoushan, Marking Leap in Green Shipping
Ella Trusteddocks
Topics
Free weekly digest
This week's ship orders & deliveries — every Friday
New contracts, launches and shipyard news in one email. No account needed, unsubscribe anytime.
More Shipbuilding News
View all →
NMDC Inaugurates New 148-Metre Cutter Suction Dredger in China
UAE-based NMDC Group has held an inauguration ceremony in Nantong, China, for its new cutter suction dredger (CSD), Abu…
Oct 10, 2026
Seatrium Wins Ninth FSRU Conversion Deal from Karpowership
Singapore-based Seatrium has secured a contract from Turkish power ship owner and operator Karpowership to convert…
Oct 10, 2026
TOP Ships Expands MR Tanker Fleet with Four-Vessel Deal
TOP Ships has agreed to acquire four project companies holding newbuilding contracts for 49,940-dwt Ice Class 1A MR…
Oct 10, 2026
Rheinmetall Reportedly to Acquire Damen Mangalia Shipyard for €138 Million
The Damen Mangalia shipyard in Romania is reportedly set to be acquired by German defence group Rheinmetall for €138…
Oct 10, 2026