HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) begins sea trials of its newly developed Wing Sail system on a tanker operated by HMM.
The prototype has been installed on the 50,000-dwt MR tanker Oriental Aquamarine. After onshore testing, the sail passed structural safety checks and basic performance verification before being mounted on the vessel, with the Korean Register completing inspections ahead of the trials.
HD KSOE says initial voyages have confirmed normal operation.
The Wing Sail is designed to generate thrust using aerodynamic lift, similar to an aircraft wing. Measuring about 30 metres high and 10 metres wide, it includes auxiliary side wings to maximise wind capture. A tilting and folding mechanism allows the sail to be lowered in heavy weather or when passing under bridges, improving safety and operational flexibility.
Sea trials will focus on real-world performance, including fuel savings and potential reductions in carbon emissions under different sea and weather conditions. HD KSOE plans to use the collected data to further refine the system ahead of possible commercial rollout.
According to HD Hyundai, the technology could cut fuel consumption by 5% to 20%, depending on trading routes and wind conditions. HMM will monitor performance over the next two years using operational data from Oriental Aquamarine and may consider wider deployment across its fleet if results meet expectations.
