HMM has fitted a wing sail wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS) on its 50,000-dwt MR tanker Oriental Aquamarine, as part of efforts to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
The technology harnesses wind energy to generate additional thrust through aerodynamic lift, operating in a similar way to an aircraft wing. It is particularly suited to vessels without deck cargo, such as tankers and bulk carriers, where installation does not interfere with cargo operations.
Depending on weather and operating conditions, HMM expects the system to deliver fuel savings of around 5% to 20%.
The resulting reduction in fuel burn is also expected to support compliance with environmental regimes, including the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), Greenhouse Gas Fuel Intensity (GFI) standards and the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation.
The company said it will monitor the system’s performance over the next two years using real operational data. If the results are favourable, HMM plans to expand the technology across its bulk carrier fleet.
An HMM official said, “Building on the low-emission technologies applied across our fleet, we will continue to advance the adoption of innovative solutions to further strengthen the long-term sustainability of our business.”
