Japan’s shipping giant MOL has secured approval from compatriot classification society ClassNK for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier equipped with two Wind Challenger sails.
This design has been jointly developed by MOL and South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean.
According to MOL, this approval in principle marks the world’s first approval for an LNG carrier with a wind-assisted propulsion system.
The 174,000-cbm LNG carrier that has obtained this AiP is capable of entering LNG terminals worldwide, and equipped with two Wind Challenger sails.
Moreover, the sails made of fiber reinforced plastic will be up to 49 meters high and about 15 meters wide.
MOL said the detailed design work is currently underway for a new LNG carrier ordered by the company from Hanwha Ocean, aiming for actual installation.
MOL, Hanwha Ocean, and ClassNK conducted a risk assessment that evaluated factors such as the placement of the sails, their impact on visibility, emergency operation procedures, and other safety measures.
Additionally, the evaluation of the impact on the cargo tank due to the sail installation, conducted by France’s GTT, the designer of the vessel’s cargo tank, contributed to obtaining this AiP.
GTT has confirmed that the structural safety of the tank is sufficiently ensured, even when considering the stresses imposed by sails, MOL said.
MOL’s has a huge fleet of LNG carriers owned and/or operated by joint venture companies.
The company’s LNG fleet expanded to 99 vessels as of the end of June this year.