Teck and Oldendorff announce collaboration on rotor sails project

The Flettner Rotors will generate lift from the wind, which is translated into additional thrust, thereby reducing fuel consumption on voyages across the Pacific. The addition of the rotors, along with other emission savings measures, is expected to reduce emissions by 55% resulting in an annual reduction of over 17 000 t of CO₂ emissions, equal to removing 3500 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles from the road. Since the November 2021 announcement of the start of Teck and Oldendorff’s joint efforts to reduce supply chain emissions, an estimated 115 000 t of CO₂ emissions have been eliminated, the equivalent of removing over 25 000 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles from the road.

“This innovative agreement to utilise wind power in shipping will reduce the carbon footprint in Teck’s supply chain and help advance the development of green transportation corridors,” said Jonathan Price, President and CEO, Teck. “Teck is collaborating with our customers and suppliers to reduce emissions in our supply chain as part of our climate strategy.”

Patrick Hutchins, CEO of Oldendorff Carriers, added: “We are excited to harness the power of the wind in the transpacific dry bulk trade with a progressive partner like Teck. Our mutual determination to drive a decarbonised supply chain can only be realised through cooperation and collaboration. The energy transition has begun, and we are prepared to make the necessary joint investments that will provide a meaningful reduction of emissions. Forty years of historical weather data show that the trade between the Pacific Northwest and Asia is one of the best trade lanes for producing reliable wind energy.”

Manufactured by Norsepower, the rotors are constructed in part with recycled materials from approximately 342 000 plastic bottles.

As part of Teck’s Sustainability Strategy, Teck has 2030 climate goals which aim to reduce carbon intensity across operations by 33%, support partners in reducing global carbon intensity of steelmaking by 30%, and establish low-emission supply chain corridors, including support for a 40% reduction in shipping emission intensity, working with customers and transportation providers. These 2030 goals support Teck’s goal to be a carbon-neutral operator by 2050.

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/shipping/07122023/teck-and-oldendorff-announce-collaboration-on-rotor-sails-project/