Korean Register (KR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), UK-based wind propulsion specialist BAR Technologies and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR) to jointly develop a 174,000-cubic-metre LNG carrier fitted with WindWings technology.
The agreement was signed on September 15 at Gastech 2026 in
Bangkok as the shipping industry seeks technologies to reduce fuel consumption
and greenhouse-gas emissions.
The project will assess the technical feasibility and safety
of applying wind-assisted propulsion to LNG carriers.
HHI’s vessel design features a forward accommodation block,
freeing additional upper-deck space for the installation of BAR Technologies’
large rigid WindWings sails.
The system uses wind as supplementary propulsion, reducing
the workload on the main engine and potentially improving vessel efficiency.
HHI will lead the basic vessel design and design review,
while BAR Technologies will provide technical data on WindWings, including
structural requirements, operational concepts and projected fuel savings.
KR and LISCR will assess the design against applicable rules
and international requirements.
Subject to the assessment, KR may grant Approval in
Principle (AIP), potentially supporting further development and
commercialization of wind-assisted propulsion for LNG carriers.
Hong-ryul Ryu, Senior Executive Vice President and CTO of
HHI, said: “We have continued to develop innovative hull forms and arrangement
concepts for LNG carriers to advance environmentally friendly ship
technologies. Through this project, we aim to integrate wind-assisted
propulsion technology into our forward accommodation LNG carrier design,
further enhancing the competitiveness of next-generation, low-emission LNG
carriers.”
John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, said: “We already have WindWings® deployed across 10 bulkers and tankers, with 23 WindWings collectively saving approximately 100 tonnes of CO₂ per day. We look forward to extending the application of WindWings to next-generation gas carriers, establishing a robust foundation for safe commercialization, and providing shipowners with a genuinely attractive environmental solution.”
Yongsok Lee, Chairman and CEO of KR, said: “Through this
joint development project, KR will assess the safety and technical suitability
of applying wind-assisted propulsion to this LNG carrier design against
applicable rules and international requirements, with a view to granting
Approval in Principle. By working closely with the shipyard, technology
provider and flag administration, KR will continue to support the safe and
reliable adoption of innovative technologies that contribute to the maritime
industry’s decarbonization.”
Alfonso Castillero, CEO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry, added: “This JDP reflects the Liberian Registry’s proactive approach to supporting the safe and responsible advancement of innovative maritime solutions. By assessing wind-assisted propulsion for LNG carriers from an early design stage, the partners can help translate the decarbonization challenge into practical opportunities for improved efficiency, future-ready ship designs and competitive advantage, without compromising safety or quality.” -OGN/TradeArabia News Service
