Japan's MOL, Chevron to launch world’s first wind-assisted LNG carrier
Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Chevron Shipping Company announced on September 13 that they have reached an agreement to install the Wind Challenger, a hard sail wind-assisted propulsion system, on a new LNG carrier.
This system, developed collaboratively by MOL and Oshima Shipbuilding, will be featured on an LNG carrier currently under long-term charter from MOL Encean (a wholly owned subsidiary of MOL) to Chevron Asia Pacific Shipping.
The vessel, which will be the world’s first LNG carrier equipped with wind-assisted propulsion systems, is under construction at Hanwha Ocean Co.’s Geoje Shipyard and is scheduled for delivery in 2026. In August 2024, MOL received approval in principle (AiP) from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (Class NK) for this technology—marking a first for LNG carriers with wind-assisted propulsion. The vessel chartered by Chevron will be the pioneering application of this technology.
The Wind Challenger system is designed to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through its innovative telescopic sails. The design also incorporates safety features such as a fully enclosed navigation bridge and a lookout station on the vessel’s foredeck to enhance visibility.
To ensure tradability, the Wind Challenger installation will be positioned to minimise interference with the existing design of membrane-type LNG carriers. This setup will maintain the current mooring arrangement and limit impacts on the vessel's windage area.
Barbara Pickering, president of Chevron Shipping Company, commented, "We are proud to partner with MOL on the industry-first LNG installation of Wind Challenger. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to employing innovative solutions to reduce carbon intensity in our LNG fleet."
Takeshi Hashimoto, CEO of MOL, added, "With Chevron’s support, we are thrilled to extend the Wind Challenger Project to LNG carriers, building on our previous successes with Wind Challenger-equipped bulkers and other ongoing projects."
The Wind Challenger technology will be showcased at the MOL booth at the Gastech Exhibition & Conference 2024 in Houston, from September 17-20.