Wind-spired! MOL and Hanwha Design First LNG Carrier with Wind-Assisted Propulsion

In an exciting development for the maritime industry, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Hanwha Ocean have announced their collaboration on designing the world's first LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) carrier with wind-assisted propulsion. This ground-breaking initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable shipping, highlighting the industry's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

About MOL and Hanwha
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is one of the largest shipping companies in the world, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. With a fleet encompassing bulk carriers, tankers, LNG carriers, and container ships, MOL has a long-standing reputation for innovation and environmental stewardship. The company has been at the forefront of adopting green technologies, aiming to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Hanwha Ocean, part of the South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group, specializes in shipbuilding and marine engineering. Known for its advanced technological capabilities and innovative solutions, Hanwha Ocean has played a crucial role in vessel construction and offshore platforms. The collaboration with MOL leverages Hanwha's expertise in ship design and engineering.

The First LNG Carrier with Wind-Assisted Propulsion
The joint effort between MOL and Hanwha Ocean is focused on designing a standard-size 174,000 cubic meter LNG carrier that incorporates wind-assisted propulsion technology. This pioneering vessel will utilize wind power to supplement its primary propulsion system, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The design involves installing large, rigid sails that harness wind energy to propel the ship. The sails would have a maximum height of 160 feet (49 meters) and be about 49 feet (15 meters) wide.

MOL working with Oshima Shipyard completed the development of the rigid sail (The Wind Challenger) which was deployed for the first time on a newbuild dry bulk carrier in 2022. The sail, placed at the vessel bow, is made of rigid fibre-reinforced plastic and the telescope has three panels. It has shown positive results in lowering fuel consumption propelling the ambitious goal of facilitating 25 vessels with the Wind Challenger by 2030 and 80 by 2035.

What is a Wind-Assisted Propulsion?
Wind-assisted propulsion refers to the use of wind energy to supplement the power generated by a ship's main engine. This technology is not entirely new; it harks back to the era of sailing ships. However, modern wind-assisted propulsion integrates advanced materials and aerodynamic designs to maximize efficiency and performance.

There are several types of wind-assisted propulsion systems, including:

1. Rigid Sails: These are fixed structures that capture wind energy and convert it into forward thrust. They are designed to withstand harsh marine conditions and provide significant propulsion assistance.

2. Rotor Sails: Also known as Flettner rotors, these cylindrical structures spin to create a pressure differential, generating lift and propelling the ship forward. They are highly efficient and can operate even in moderate wind conditions.

3. Kite Sails: Large kites deployed from the ship's bow capture wind energy at higher altitudes, where wind speeds are typically greater. This type of system is particularly effective for reducing fuel consumption during long ocean voyages.

Importance of Wind-Assisted Propulsion
The integration of wind-assisted propulsion in modern shipping is crucial for several reasons:

1. Fuel Efficiency: By harnessing wind energy, ships can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, leading to significant fuel savings. This is particularly important for LNG carriers, which have substantial energy requirements.

2. Emission Reduction: Shipping is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Wind-assisted propulsion can help mitigate this impact by reducing the amount of fuel burned and consequently lowering CO2 emissions.

3. Regulation Compliance: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set stringent targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. Wind-assisted propulsion is a viable solution for meeting these regulatory requirements and achieving sustainability goals.

Other Companies with The Wind at Their Back
The adoption of wind-powered propulsion in maritime operations is gaining traction as companies seek to reduce fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions. Notable leaders in this space include:

Norsepower: Since 2018, Norsepower has been at the forefront with its rotor sails, which have been installed on several vessels, including the Maersk Pelican tanker. Their technology has demonstrated fuel savings of up to 20%, making it a key player in sustainable shipping.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen: The Norwegian-Swedish company is developing the Oceanbird, a wind-powered car carrier expected to launch by 2024. The vessel aims to reduce emissions by up to 90%, showcasing the potential of wind-assisted propulsion in large-scale maritime operations.

Eco Flettner: Based in Germany, Eco Flettner has introduced rotor sails on cargo ships, achieving fuel savings of up to 10% since its introduction in 2019. This technology is helping to cut operational costs while supporting environmental goals.

SSH supports companies using wind-powered propulsion by providing real-time data analytics, predictive maintenance, and voyage optimization tools. These capabilities help operators maximize the efficiency of their wind-assisted systems, ensuring that they achieve the highest possible fuel savings and emission reductions.

Capt Shailesh Bhambhani, of Smart Ship © Hub, says, the Wind technology is probably the cleanest alternative available at the moment. However, the retrofitting cost is the biggest barrier to the advancement of this technology. We would have expected a lot of newer vessels with wind-assisted technology, but the complexity involved in operating, maintaining as well as stability of the vessel makes it a difficult technology for mass adoption.

Maritime decarbonization is imperative for combating climate change. Wind-assisted propulsion plays a vital role in this endeavour by reducing carbon footprint, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting innovation. The collaboration between MOL and Hanwha Ocean represents a significant milestone in the shipping industry's journey towards sustainability. As the LNG carrier with wind-assisted propulsion sets sail, it will serve as a model for future vessels, demonstrating the viability and benefits of integrating renewable energy sources into maritime operations.