Image credit: MOL

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has achieved a significant milestone with the awarding of an Approval in Principle (AiP) from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for their innovative membrane LNG carrier design incorporating the Wind Challenger system. This pioneering design, developed in collaboration with Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd., marks the first global approval for an LNG carrier equipped with a Wind-Assisted Propulsion System.

The LNG carrier, boasting a cargo tank capacity of 174,000 cubic meters, is engineered to access LNG terminals globally. It features two Wind Challenger sails, with detailed design work currently in progress for a new LNG carrier commissioned by MOL from Hanwha Ocean, targeting practical installation.The approval follows a comprehensive risk assessment conducted by MOL, Hanwha Ocean, and ClassNK. This evaluation meticulously considered factors such as sail placement, visibility impact, emergency operation procedures, and overall safety measures, ensuring robust safety standards.