On September 8th, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) announced that it has obtained approval in principle (AiP) from a classification society, Lloyd’s Register (LR) for two new different designs of a membrane-type LNG carrier equipped with four units of Wind Challenger, a hard sail wind assisted propulsion system.
In addition, safety evaluations were conducted in collaboration with the respective flag states. As a result, this new vessel design, one jointly developed with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has earned AiP from the Marshall Islands (Marshall), and the other vessel design jointly developed with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) AiP from Liberia.
The AiP covers a new vessel design, for a 174,000m3 LNG carrier, jointly developed by HHI and SHI. Each design will be equipped with four Wind Challenger units. Detailed design work for actual construction is currently underway. Last year, MOL obtained AiP to install two Wind Challenger units on a conventional LNG carrier, in the new vessel design, the bridge has been positioned toward the bow to enable both an increase in the number of Wind Challenger units and the optimization of their placement, thereby maximizing fuel efficiency gains. Based on preliminary calculations, fuel saving is expected to reach up to approximately 30% per voyage with an average annual saving of 15-20%.
For the new vessel designs developed with HHI and SHI, MOL conducted comprehensive risk assessments in collaboration with the shipyards, the classification society, and flag states. These assessments covered the sail arrangement, visibility impact, emergency operation procedures, and other safety measures. Based on the results, MOL successfully obtained the AiP.
MOL will exhibit the new vessel design at the Gastech Exhibition & Conference 2025 in Milan from the 9th to 12th September. At its booth, MOL plans to showcase exhibits related to the new vessel design and hold a commemorative ceremony for the AiP award in collaboration with the shipyards, the classification society, and the flag states.