en.Wedoany.com Reported - Capital Ship Management Corp., K Shipbuilding, and Lloyd's Register (LR) have jointly launched a development project to assess the feasibility of integrating wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) into medium-range (MR) tanker designs, targeting a vessel size of 50,000 deadweight tons. The project aims to determine whether wind-assisted propulsion can deliver commercially viable efficiency improvements for the routine operations of product tankers while maintaining operational flexibility and cargo capacity.

Wind-assisted propulsion has gained traction in the bulk carrier and specialized vessel sectors but remains largely unexplored in the MR tanker market. This joint project aims to bridge that gap. The collaborating parties will combine Capital Ship Management's operational expertise, K Shipbuilding's tanker design and construction capabilities, and LR's technical assurance and regulatory knowledge to address the engineering and compliance challenges of deploying WAPS on mainstream tanker platforms.

The project scope includes technical studies, design optimization, and regulatory assessments to support future Approval in Principle (AiP) activities and establish a pathway for commercial deployment. The joint development project is the first phase of a broader technical program that will examine the operational, engineering, and regulatory considerations involved in wind-assisted tanker design.

Theo Kourmpelis, Global Business Director for Tankers at Lloyd's Register, stated that wind-assisted propulsion has shown potential to improve vessel efficiency, but broader adoption depends on proving the technology can deliver commercial value in mainstream shipping sectors, with the MR tanker market serving as a key test case.

Nikolas Vaporis, Chief Technical Officer of Capital Ship Management Corp., noted that the six newbuild MR tankers the company received in 2023 all carry a "wind-assisted ready" notation, a design choice reflecting an assessment of wind power's commercial relevance. This project is a critical step in moving from "ready" to "verified," aiming to achieve real efficiency and emission reduction benefits while maintaining the operational and cargo flexibility that charterers rely on.

Tae-Hyun Koh, Chief Technical Officer of K Shipbuilding, stated that this collaboration will enhance the company's ability to develop next-generation eco-friendly vessel solutions and strengthen its position in the global MR tanker market.