In an effort to reduce carbon emissions, BHP will partner with Pan Pacific Copper and Norsepower to develop wind propulsion systems for its maritime transport fleet.
The collaboration will conduct a technical assessment of the technology, with plans to install Norsepower’s wind propulsion system onboard the M/V Koryu, a combination carrier operated by Nippon Marine.
The project will aim to reduce emissions from maritime travel between BHP-owned mines in Chile and Pan Pacific Copper smelters in Japan.
BHP and PPC have multi-year agreements for delivery of copper concentrates from Chile to Japan as well as sulphuric acid from Japan to Chile, making the cargo capacity utilisation of M/V Koryu one of the highest in the industry.
Norsepower’s ‘Rotor Sails’ are supposedly ten-times more efficient than conventional sails, and is expected to make M/V Koryu the cleanest vessel in its category when measured for greenhouse gas emissions intensity.
BHP Chief Commercial Officer, Vandita Pant, said the collaboration would further BHP’s ongoing relationship with Pan Pacific Copper, and support its ambition for decarbonisation.
“Identifying and implementing innovative and sustainable solutions through our strong commodity and supply chain partnerships remain essential in supporting BHP’s decarbonisation ambitions,” Ms Pant said.
“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.”
Norsepower CSO, Jukka Kuuskoski, said the project would support Norsepower’s long-term goal to reduce carbon emissions in the maritime sector.
“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,” Mr Kuuskoski said.
“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.”
Feature Image: 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. Photo: BHP
