Anemoi Marine Technologies has successfully completed the installation of five rotor sails on the Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC) 400K DWT MV Sohar Max, marking it as the largest bulk carrier to be equipped with wind propulsion technology thus far. The MV Sohar Max, a first-generation Valemax vessel constructed in 2012 at the Rongsheng shipyard, is operated by Asyad Shipping (Oman Shipping Company S.A.O.C) (OSC), part of the Asyad Group. Oman Shipping Company SAOC (OSC) is a closed joint-stock company established in 2003 and owned by the Government of the Sultanate of Oman. The rotor sails were installed on the MV Sohar Max at the COSCO Zhoushan shipyard in China. Anemoi also implemented a folding deployment system that allows the sails to be folded down from a vertical position to minimize interference with the vessel’s cargo handling operations. With these sails, the MV Sohar Max is expected to achieve up to a 6% reduction in fuel consumption and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 3,000 tonnes annually. Following the installation, the MV Sohar Max embarked on a journey to Tubarao, initiating the test period for the rotor sails. This testing phase will extend over future voyages to fully assess the efficiency of the technology. Anemoi has a history of developing wind propulsion solutions for Vale’s vessels and continues to expand its applications across the industry. In June 2023, Singapore-based shipowner and operator Berge Bulk committed to equipping the 2012-built 388K DWT Valemax bulk carrier MV Berge Neblina with four folding rotor sails. Additionally, in October of this year, the iron ore giant Vale declared plans to install Anemoi’s rotor sails on the 400K DWT Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC) MV NSU Tubarao, owned by Tokyo-listed Japanese shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd (NS United Shipping). This project is scheduled for completion in September 2025. NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd (NS United Shipping) is a significant player in the maritime industry, primarily involved in the transportation of bulk raw materials such as coal, iron ore, and grain, as well as crude oil and petroleum products. The company’s extensive fleet includes a variety of bulk carriers, tankers, and LNG vessels, positioning it as a key link in global supply chains. NS United Shipping is renowned for its commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and innovation, which is evident in its collaboration on projects like the MV NSU Tubarao. The Chartering Department at NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd (NS United Shipping) plays a crucial role in the company’s operations. This department is responsible for the commercial management of all vessels in the fleet, securing cargo, negotiating charter rates, and drafting voyage contracts. With a keen focus on market trends and economic indicators, the Chartering Department strives to optimize fleet utilization and maximize profitability while adhering to the highest standards of customer service. This department’s strategies include developing long-term relationships with charterers and cargo owners, employing sophisticated risk management tools to hedge against market volatility, and continuously evaluating the performance of their chartering activities. The expertise of NS United Shipping’s Chartering Department ensures that the company not only meets but often exceeds, the expectations of its clients and maintains its competitive edge in the industry. The proactive approach of NS United Shipping in adopting technologies like rotor sails is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiencies and reduce the environmental impact of its shipping operations. This commitment to sustainability is closely aligned with the company’s overall business ethos and is integral to maintaining its reputation as a leader in the maritime sector. 17-December-2024
Tokyo-listed Japanese shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd (NS United Shipping) and Brazilian mining giant Vale International have decided to fit rotor sails from Anemoi Marine Technologies on a 400K DWT valemax bulk carrier. The MV NSU Tubarao, which operates under a long-term transportation agreement between NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd (NS United Shipping) and Vale International since September 2020, had the sails installed. The implementation of these rotor sails on the valemax bulk carrier MV NSU Tubarao is planned for September 2025. A rotor sail operates by creating a pressure difference around a rotating cylindrical sail mounted on the deck, which propels the ship. This technology is anticipated to lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from the NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd (NS United Shipping)-owned and managed MV NSU Tubarao by about 6 to 12%. Vale International, known for its significant initiatives in sustainability, has previously equipped several Valemax bulk carriers with rotor sails. Additionally, Vale International aims to cut its scope 3 emissions by 15% by 2035, which includes emissions related to its shipping activities, given that Vale International does not own the bulk carriers. NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd (NS United Shipping) has a diverse fleet comprising bulk carriers, tankers, and container ships. As a leader in maritime transport, the company is committed to adopting innovative technologies to enhance the efficiency and environmental performance of its fleet. NS United Shipping has been proactive in incorporating green technology across its operations, focusing not just on rotor sails but also exploring other sustainable technologies such as LNG-fueled ships and advanced waste management systems on board. Their commitment to sustainability aligns with global maritime environmental standards and positions them as a forward-thinking participant in the global shipping industry. 22-October-2024
Japanese shipowner and operator NS United Kaiun Kaisha has finalized an agreement with Nihon Shipyard, a collaboration between Imabari Shipbuilding and Japan Marine United, to construct a methanol dual-fuel newcastlemax bulk carrier. Based in Tokyo, NS United Kaiun Kaisha announced that this 209K DWT methanol dual-fuel newcastlemax bulk carrier is envisioned as a next-generation environmentally friendly vessel, slated to transport raw materials both domestically and internationally. This innovative ship is designed to comply with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) EEDI Phase 3 requirements and is scheduled to commence operations in Q4 2027. As part of its medium-term investment strategy and its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, NS United Kaiun Kaisha is taking significant steps towards sustainability. The company’s fleet currently exceeds 200 vessels. By 2030, NS United Kaiun Kaisha plans to invest approximately $1.4 billion in fleet rejuvenation, with around $290 million dedicated to environmental initiatives, including engine conversions. Of this investment, about $1 billion is allocated for vessels powered by alternative fuels like methanol. NS United Kaiun Kaisha is actively engaging in biofuel trials and is also involved in a consortium developing a 200K DWT ammonia-fueled newcastlemax bulk carrier, demonstrating its leadership in adopting alternative fuel technologies in maritime operations. 15-May-2024
Japanese shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd (NS United Shipping) appointed Kazuma Yamanaka as the new president. In June 2023, Kazuma Yamanaka will take over from Kazuo Tanimizu as president of NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd (NS United Shipping). Kazuma Yamanaka commenced his career at Nippon Steel in 1986. Kazuma Yamanaka spent his career primarily with Nippon Steel. Nippon Steel merged with Sumitomo Metal in 2012. Kazuma Yamanaka joined Japanese giant dry bulk owner NS United Kaiun Kaisha (NS United Shipping) in 2020. Nippon Steel has a 33% shareholding in NS United Kaiun Kaisha (NS United Shipping). Currently, NS United Kaiun Kaisha (NS United Shipping) manages a fleet of 127 large bulk carriers. 4-March-2023
Tokyo-listed Japanese shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd (NS United Shipping) reported revenue of $890 million for Q3 2022. NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd’s (NS United Shipping) revenue increased by 45% compared to Q3 2021. Kazuo Tanimizu-led Japanese shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd (NS United Shipping) net profit of $132 million for Q3 2022. Tokyo-based shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd (NS United Shipping) attributes advancement in earnings to the recent devaluation of the Japanese yen. 2-November-2022
Tokyo-listed Japanese shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd (NS United Shipping) reported a substantial improvement in revenue and profits in Q1 2022. Japanese shipowner NS United Shipping (NSU) reported a net profit of $70 million in Q1 2022. Japanese shipowner NS United Shipping (NSU) reported an income of $469 million in Q1 2022. Japanese giant dry bulk owner NS United Kaiun Kaisha (NS United Shipping) expressed that advantageous circumstances in the shipping market had been supported by the low number of new shipbuilding deliveries and uncertainty over environmental regulations. Tokyo-listed Japanese shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha (NS United Shipping) benefited from capesize charter rates that had gained a peak of $38K a day in Q1 2022. Furthermore, Tokyo-listed Japanese shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha (NS United Shipping) handysize and panamax bulk carrier rates had been backed by substantial imports to India, and a change in grain and coal trading patterns, which had increased tonne miles. Tokyo-listed Japanese shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha (NS United Shipping) stated that the unchanging earnings from a robust shipping market and long-term contracts, added to the depreciation of the Japanese yen, increased earnings. 2-August-2022
Tokyo-listed Japanese shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd has announced an innovative step in maritime transportation with the order of a new coastal limestone carrier. This ship, notable for its environmentally friendly design, will be a 5K DWT ship owned by NS United’s domestic subsidiary, Naiko Kaiun Kaisha, and constructed at Tsuneishi Shipbuilding. This groundbreaking project involves multiple partnerships. Charterers Nippon Steel Corp and Nippon Steel Cement, Japan Petroleum Exploration providing the LNG fuel, and engine manufacturer Kawasaki Heavy Industries are all collaborators in this venture. The ship is scheduled for delivery in February 2024 and will replace the currently operating 5K DWT MV Shimokita Maru, built in 1994. The cost of the new build has not been disclosed. A distinguishing feature of this new carrier is its propulsion system, which will solely run on LNG, a first in Japan, complemented by a 2,847 kW-hour lithium-ion battery for backup. The LNG fuel tank will be constructed using a 7%-nickel steel plate, developed by Nippon Steel, marking its first application on a ship. The ship’s propulsion and sailing electric power will be generated by the Kawasaki engine. High-power, long-distance, and extended-duration navigation will exclusively use natural gas, as stated by Tokyo-listed Japanese shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha. During port entry and berthing, the ship will operate on battery power to achieve zero-emission operation. Measuring 94 meters in length, the carrier is designed to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 23.56% compared to conventional ships. Additionally, the engine is engineered to produce minimal SOx, and NOx emissions will be considerably lowered. The ship’s operational route will be between the loading port of Shiriyamisaki and the discharge destination of Muroran. This project has received backing from the Japanese government’s Global Environment Bureau, underscoring its environmental significance. Japanese shipowner and operator NS United’s fleet, comprising 68 ships, includes a variety of vessel types such as Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOCs), LNG carriers, and LPG ships, reflecting the company’s diverse maritime operations. This new addition highlights NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd’s commitment to innovative, eco-friendly maritime solutions. 1-October-2021
Tokyo-listed Japanese shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha has reported a net income of $32.3 million in Q1 2021 due to the current recovery in dry bulk shipping. In Q1 2021, Japanese shipowner and operator NS United reported revenue of $390 million. Tokyo-listed NS United owns a mixed fleet of 125 ships. NS United attributed the increase in earnings to financial recovery after the coronavirus recession and an escalation in trade volumes to China. Furthermore, NS United stated there was also a tightening of tonnage supply due to a lack of new building ships. Tokyo-based NS United owns and operates 24 panamax bulk carriers which were boosted by China’s decision to shift coal imports from Australia to Russia and Indonesia. NS United estimates a full-year net income of $136 million in 2021. 4-August-2021
Japanese shipowner and operator NS United reported a net profit of $56 million in Q1 2021. According to NS United, the post-coronavirus recession had shifted to recovery beyond NS United’s primary expectations of shipping demand. Japanese shipowner and operator NS United’s fleet has benefited from the boom in grain transportation. Furthermore, NS United benefited from the depreciation of the Japanese yen. NS United reported an operating profit of $62 million in 2020. NS United’s dividend forecast has also been increased to $0.74 per share for 2021. NS United canceled an expensive time charter contract early at a substantial cost. The Tokyo-listed shipowner and operator NS United announced the company would pay a cancellation fee of $25 million to redeliver the bulk carrier in April. Currently, NS United owns and operates a mixed fleet of 69 vessels. 21-April-2021
Japanese shipowner and operator NS United sold 2008 built capesize bulk carrier 207K DWT MV Shin-Ei for around $19 million to Qingdao-based shipowner and operator Seacon Shipping. 207K DWT MV Shin-Ei is not the only capesize bulk carrier that Japanese shipowner and operator NS United has put on the sales block. NS United is also trying to sell 2007 built capesize bulk carrier 230K DWT MV NSS Honesty. Japanese shipowner and operator NS United is selling MV Shin-Ei and MV NSS Honesty, as both capesize bulk carriers have come off a long-term charter contract with Nippon Steel Shipping (NSS). Tokyo-headquartered Nippon Steel Shipping (NSS) operated MV Shin-Ei and MV NSS Honesty on the iron ore trade between Australia-Japan for the parent company Nippon Steel. 20-October-2020
Japanese shipowner and operator NS United has been endeavoring to invest in LNG-fuelled bulk carriers. Nippon Steel’s shipping arm NS United also seeks to invest in LNG bunkering facilities in Japan. NS United prognosticates slowdown in iron ore and coal shipping businesses from 2030. NS United was developed by the consolidation of Nippon Steel Shipping and Shinwa Kaiun. NS United’s sister company NS United serves inland transportation in Japan. 1-June-2020
Japanese shipowner and operator NS United is planning to report impairments due to the post-coronavirus recession. NS United warned investors for falling profit during the coronavirus pandemic. NS United anticipates that the dry bulk market will remain calm until Q4 2020. NS United forecasts total revenue of $1.3 billion for the year 2020. Japanese shipowner and operator NS United urged the investors that the actual results of operating performance could be substantially different from this estimate, depending on numerous factors. In 2019, NS United announced the company was consolidating its tanker and gas carriers operations with some of its bulk carrier companies. However, capesize, tramp, and short-sea operations remain separate. NS United forecasts a net profit of $2.3 million for the year 2020. Currently, Japanese shipowner and operator NS United owns and operates a mixed fleet of 75 vessels. 20-April-2020
Tokyo-listed Japanese shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha revealed LNG-fuelled capesize bulk carrier which was designed with Imabari Shipbuilding for emissions-cutting bulk carriers. Japanese shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha aims to reduce its carbon footprint. NS United Kaiun Kaisha has teamed up with Japanese shipyard group Imabari Shipbuilding to win approval in principle from class society ClassNK. Japanese shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha aims to demonstrate even greater consideration for the environment and meet the new regulations by developing an LNG-fuelled bulk carrier that places a smaller burden on the environment. 201K DWT LNG-fuelled capesize bulk carrier features a dual-tank set-up at the stern and using Type C LNG tanks. LNG-fuelled capesize bulk carrier is installed a low-pressure dual-fuel engine for the main propulsion which can use boil-off gas. LNG-fuelled ship design reduces the burden on the environment and lowers ship running costs. According to Japanese shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha, LNG-fuelled capesize bulk carrier design will produce 30% fewer emissions than required under the IMO’s (International Maritime Organization’s) Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Phase 3 regime. Furthermore, in South Korea, Hyundai Heavy Industries has four (4) LNG-fuelled capesize bulk carriers on order for H-Line. H-Line has contracted four (4) LNG-fuelled capesize bulk carriers against charters to steelmaker POSCO, South Korea. 28-December-2019
Japanese shipowner and operator NS United has elected to merge its tanker, gas carriers, and some of the company’s bulk carriers operations. NS United aimed to strengthen its energy services. Tokyo-listed NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd’s two bulk carrier teams handling domestic and general services will be merged with its oil and gas team. NS United’s capesize, tramp, and short-sea operations remain separate. NS United reported a net profit of $83 million for the year ended 31 March 2019. Currently, United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd owns and operates a mixed fleet of 69 vessels. 26-April-2019
Japanese giant ship owner NS United is selling its oldest ore carrier 1999 built 229K DWT MV Confidence 1 for demolition for around $12 million. Japanese giant ship owner NS United has a fleet of 27 capesize or larger dry bulk carriers on average 5 years old. Furthermore, NS United has 2 ore carriers 250K DWT order at Namura Shipbuilding for delivery in 2019 and 3 valemax new-buildings under construction at Japan Marine United for delivery till 2020. Japanese giant ship owner NS United was formed in 2010 through a merger of Nippon Steel Shipping and Shinwa Kaiun. Dry bulk carrier demolition numbers fell sharply in 2018 as rates continued to rebound from record lows seen in 2016. 3-February-2019
George and Dimitris Stefanou-led shipowner and operator Bright Navigation Inc. has completed the acquisition of a capesize bulk carrier from Evangelos Marinakis-led shipowner and operator Capital Ship Management. Greek shipping tycoon Evangelos Marinakis-led shipowner and operator Capital Ship Management sold one of its four capesize bulk carriers, the 2012-built capesize bulk carrier MV Attikos (ex MV K Ambition), to Athens-based shipowner and operator Bright Navigation Inc. Greek shipowning brothers George and Dimitris Stefanou-led shipowner and operator Bright Navigation Inc. are paying about $32.5 million for the capesize bulk carrier MV Attikos (ex MV K Ambition), which Capital Ship Management had purchased in 2016 for roughly $23.5 million from Seoul-based shipowner and operator SK Shipping. The purchase price agreed by Bright Navigation Inc. is slightly above current market levels but remains well below the value estimated by MSI. George and Dimitris Stefanou, Greek shipowning brothers, have been steadily intensifying their activities in the dry bulk carrier market with a series of recent secondhand acquisitions. Operating under Bright Navigation Inc. and their shipmanagement entity Sea Gate Navigation Ltd., the Stefanou brothers have successfully expanded their fleet with a clear focus on bulk carriers, ranging from handysize bulk carriers to large capesize bulk carriers. Athens-based shipowner and operator Bright Navigation Inc. has recently become active in multiple high-profile transactions. Earlier in 2025, Bright Navigation Inc. acquired its first capesize bulk carrier when it invested nearly \$15 million in the 2003-built capesize bulk carrier MV Andros Beauty (ex MV Aquabeauty) from John Michael Radziwill-led shipowner and operator GoodBulk. Bright Navigation Inc. followed this acquisition with the purchase of the 2006-built capesize bulk carrier 176K DWT MV Andros Glory (ex MV NSS Grandeur) from Japanese shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd., further enhancing its operational scale in the capesize sector. NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, is one of Japan’s most established and influential shipowners and operators, with a legacy deeply rooted in Japan’s maritime development. NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. has grown into a major shipping enterprise managing a diversified fleet of bulk carriers and tankers, ranging from smaller handy bulk carriers to large capesize bulk carriers, VLCCs, and product tankers. The primary focus of NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. has traditionally been the transport of vital industrial commodities, including iron ore, coal, grain, crude oil, and refined petroleum products, making it an integral part of the supply chain for Japanese steel mills, utilities, and heavy industry. NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. has always maintained close relationships with Japan’s industrial and energy sectors, operating long-term contracts of affreightment with some of the largest steel producers and power generation utilities. This strong industrial backing has provided NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. with long-term earnings stability while also giving it the capacity to invest heavily in continuous fleet renewal. NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. has been a pioneer in adopting eco-friendly designs and advanced technologies for its fleet, including fuel-efficient hull forms, scrubber systems, LNG-ready propulsion, and ballast water treatment systems to comply with international regulations. By focusing on environmentally sustainable operations, NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. has positioned itself as one of the leaders in the push toward greener maritime transport in Asia. Beyond its role as a shipowner, NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. has also established itself as a strong commercial operator, managing global trades that extend far beyond Japan. The bulk carrier fleet of NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. regularly trades between the Pacific and Atlantic basins, carrying iron ore from Brazil and Australia to Asia, coal from Indonesia and Russia to Japan, and grain from the Americas to Asian markets. On the tanker side, NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. operates crude oil and product carriers that link the Middle East, Asia, and global refining hubs. The international presence of NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. has allowed it to diversify geographically while still retaining strong ties to its Japanese industrial clients. NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. is also well known for its highly professional shipmanagement standards. With a culture of discipline, safety, and efficiency, NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. places great emphasis on crew training, safety management systems, and compliance with international maritime regulations. The crews of NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. undergo rigorous training programs, including simulation-based navigation training and continuous education, ensuring that the fleet is managed to the highest international standards. NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. has also adopted digital monitoring and performance tracking systems, allowing real-time analysis of fuel consumption, emissions, and vessel performance. As one of the pillars of Japanese shipping, NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. continues to embody the nation’s long-standing maritime traditions while embracing globalisation and innovation. The strategy of NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. has been consistent: maintaining a balanced fleet of dry bulk carriers and tankers, ensuring long-term contracts with industrial partners, and investing in new technologies to keep the fleet efficient and environmentally compliant. This approach has allowed NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. to weather cycles in the shipping industry and maintain stability even in volatile freight markets. The sale of the 2006-built capesize bulk carrier 176K DWT MV Andros Glory (ex MV NSS Grandeur) to Bright Navigation Inc. illustrates the continuing fleet renewal strategy of NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd., which frequently rotates older ships out of its fleet while introducing newer, more technologically advanced ships. By doing so, NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. maintains one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the Japanese shipping sector. This strategy not only ensures regulatory compliance but also secures the trust of charterers who demand efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. The reputation of NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. extends beyond Japan, as it is recognized worldwide as a leading shipowning and operating enterprise, deeply integrated into the flow of global maritime trade. With its commitment to innovation, safety, and environmental performance, NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. continues to strengthen its position as a central player in both the bulk carrier and tanker markets. Its role in supplying Japanese industry and its expanding global presence highlight the enduring importance of NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd. in the international maritime industry. 18-November-2018
Japanese shipowner NS United sold 2002 built capesize dry bulk carrier 184K DWT M/V NSS Endeavour for around $13 million for further trading Hong Kong-based shipowners. 24-July-2017
Japanese giant dry bulk owner NS United applied stock split to fit in with new stock exchange policy at Tokyo Stock Exchange and shareholders will receive 1 share for every 10 they hold. Japanese Stock Exchange companies are encouraged to set common shares units at 100 shares, from 1,000 previously. 30-March-2017