It's back to the future as coal carrier sails into Newcastle

In a “Back to the Future” moment for the shipping industry, a first-of-its-kind Japanese bulk carrier, the SHO-FU MARU, equipped with Wind Challenger (a hard sail wind power propulsion system), is set to sail into Newcastle Harbour Monday morning at 8.30am.

Port Authority of NSW CEO, Captain Philip Holliday said it will be a historic moment where maritime history and new technologies for the future meet - all part of a new generation of green shipping around the globe.

“NSW is delighted to be welcoming this beautiful and innovative vessel to our shores, along with a delegation from the Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) Group who developed the ‘next generation’ of wind-powered vessel,” Captain Holliday said. 

‘The SHOFU MARU is the world’s first vessel equipped with Wind Challenger, and will transport coal mainly from Australia, Indonesia and North America as a dedicated vessel for Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc.” 

“With its futuristic looking sail, it converts wind energy directly to a vessel propulsion force, using the wind as clean and unlimited source of energy.”

Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody said Port of Newcastle welcomes the SHOR-FU MARU and congratulates Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) for their role in diversifying the shipping industry.

“Their dedication to reducing fuel emissions through innovation should be applauded and encouraged across industry,” Mr Carmody said.

The Wind Challenger is a system, developed mainly by MOL and Oshima Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. which uses a telescoping hard sail that harnesses wind power to propel the vessel. The introduction of the Wind Challenger is expected to reduce the amount of fuel used for operation and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions about 5% on a Japan-Australia voyage and about 8% on a Japan-North America West Coast voyage, compared to a conventional vessel of the same type, and contribute to curbing GHG emissions during fuel transportation.

“In response our Harbour Master Captain Vikas Bangia along with two Newcastle Marine Pilots travelled to Japan to oversee first-hand preparations for the local team and undertake simulation piloting trials at the MOL Group facility in Tokyo,” Captain Philip Holliday said.

“Managing port operations to the high standard of efficiency and precision that our roles at the Port Authority require, also involves looking to the future at emerging trends, methods and technologies to ensure our ports, logistics, systems and people are prepared for industry changes.

“As most working industries around the world are transitioning to greener practices, the same can be said for maritime.” 

Crowds of people are expected to turn out around Newcastle Harbour and along Macquarie Pier to watch the unique vessel arrive into Harbour on Monday morning. Alternately people can watch it via the web cam. 

WATCH THE ARRIVAL LIVE: Port of Newcastle Live Stream - YouTube
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