Vale’s contest to build what could become the world’s largest methanol-fuelled bulkers, outfitted with wind propulsion and an array of energy-saving technologies, could allow it to slash well-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions by 90%.
Those carbon cuts could be achievable if the Brazilian mining giant procures renewable methanol to power the bulker giants, Vale shipping technical manager Rodrigo Bermelho told Green Seas.
As TradeWinds was first to report, the world’s largest iron ore miner has launched a request for proposals seeking shipowners to provide it with 325,000-dwt very large ore carriers capable of running on either methanol or conventional fuel oil.