Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 8, Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has received approval in principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register (LR) for two newly designed membrane-type LNG carriers equipped with four Wind Challenger units, a hard sail wind-assisted propulsion technology. Safety evaluations were conducted in cooperation with the respective flag states. As a result, the vessel design jointly developed with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries obtained AiP from the Marshall Islands, while the vessel design developed with Samsung Heavy Industries received AiP from Liberia.

The AiP applies to a 174,000 cubic meter LNG carrier design, created with both Korean shipyards. Each design incorporates four Wind Challenger units, standing 49 meters high and constructed with fiber-reinforced plastic. MOL has been advancing this technology for over ten years. Detailed design work for construction is currently in progress.

In 2023, MOL secured AiP for installing two Wind Challenger units on a conventional LNG carrier. The latest vessel design modifies the bridge position toward the bow, allowing for the installation of four units and optimizing their placement. This configuration aims to achieve greater fuel efficiency. Based on preliminary estimates, the vessels could reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% per voyage, with an average annual reduction of 15% to 20%.

MOL has set long-term goals for the deployment of this technology. The company intends to equip 25 vessels with Wind Challenger units by 2030 and expand to 80 vessels by 2035. To date, MOL has delivered two vessels featuring this system, with confirmed installation for nine additional ships. These steps highlight MOL’s progress in scaling the use of wind-assisted propulsion across its fleet.

The Wind Challenger units are designed to support energy efficiency while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. By combining LNG carrier operations with renewable wind propulsion, MOL aims to enhance operational sustainability while meeting the growing demand for reliable energy transportation.

MOL will present its latest LNG carrier design at the Gastech exhibition in Milan this week, showcasing the integration of Wind Challenger technology with advanced vessel design.

Koichi Hirata, General Manager of the Dry Bulk Business Unit at MOL, explained the broader vision earlier: “The Wind Challenger is not only a step forward in fuel efficiency but also a step toward creating sustainable shipping solutions for the future.” The company emphasizes that by pursuing innovative ship designs and collaborating with leading shipyards and partners, MOL is positioning itself to expand energy-efficient shipping on an international scale.

This development reinforces MOL’s role as a pioneer in combining conventional shipbuilding with renewable propulsion systems. The approval in principle from multiple classification societies and flag states provides the foundation for bringing these next-generation LNG carriers into operation, contributing to the advancement of global shipping efficiency.