Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has achieved a major milestone by securing approval in principle (AiP) from ClassNK for the design of a pioneering LNG carrier equipped with a Wind-Assisted Propulsion System. This groundbreaking design, developed in collaboration with South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean, is the first of its kind to receive such approval for an LNG carrier.

The innovative design includes two Wind Challenger sails, each standing 49 meters tall and 15 meters wide. The carrier is designed with a cargo tank capacity of 174,000 cubic meters (CBM) and is intended to access LNG terminals worldwide. The detailed design for this new LNG carrier is underway, with plans for the installation of the system soon to follow.

Illustration of the wind-assisted LNG carrier concept approved by ClassNK. Image courtesy ClassNK.

A thorough risk assessment conducted by MOL, Hanwha Ocean, and ClassNK addressed sail placement, visibility, emergency procedures, and safety measures, leading to the successful acquisition of the AiP. Additionally, Gaztransport et Technigaz SA (GTT), the designer of the vessel’s cargo tank, has confirmed the structural safety of the tank against the stresses imposed by the sails.

MOL is committed to achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050 through the adoption of clean energy and energy-saving technologies. The company plans to introduce 25 Wind Challenger-equipped vessels by 2030 and 80 by 2035.