Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has received approval in principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register for two groundbreaking designs of membrane-type LNG carriers featuring MOL’s Wind Challenger hard sail propulsion system. The new vessels, jointly developed with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Samsung Heavy Industries, have also passed safety evaluations with the Marshall Islands and Liberia flag states, respectively.
Each 174,000 cubic meter LNG carrier will be equipped with four 49-meter Wind Challenger units, made of fibre-reinforced plastic, marking a significant step forward in MOL’s decade-long development of wind-assisted technology. The bridge has been repositioned toward the bow to optimise sail placement and maximise fuel efficiency. Preliminary estimates suggest fuel savings could reach up to 30% per voyage, with an average annual reduction of 15–20%.
MOL plans to fit Wind Challengers on 25 vessels by 2030 and expand to 80 vessels by 2035. So far, two vessels have been delivered, and nine more are confirmed for installation.
The company will showcase the new LNG carrier designs at the Gastech exhibition in Milan this week, highlighting its commitment to sustainable shipping innovations.
