Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has secured approval in principle from Lloyd’s Register for two LNG carrier designs equipped with wind propulsion.
The vessels, developed with Hyundai Heavy Industries and Samsung Heavy Industries, will feature large rigid sails to cut fuel consumption and emissions.
MOL said the approval followed risk assessments with the shipyards, LR and flag states, covering sail arrangement, visibility, emergency procedures and other safety factors.
“Based on the results, we successfully obtained the AiP,” MOL noted.
The company has previously tested wind-assist systems including the Wind Challenger and sees the new designs as a step toward scaling up the technology for deepsea LNG transport.
MOL said the move supports its long-term decarbonisation plans and highlights the potential of wind propulsion to complement alternative energy solutions in shipping.
