Hanwha Ocean, a leading South Korean shipbuilder, is working on an innovative project with the Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) to design a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier using the Wind Challenger—a wind-assisted propulsion system. This system, which works like a sail on traditional ships, harnesses wind energy to help propel the vessel. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 7-16% compared to conventional engines, contributing to global decarbonization efforts.
On Aug 6., industry sources reported that the Wind Challenger system, jointly developed by Hanwha Ocean and MOL, received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the Japanese classification society ClassNK. MOL handled the system’s conceptual design, while Hanwha Ocean focused on integrating it structurally and outfitting it on the ship. An AiP is an initial approval indicating that a concept is safe and feasible for operation.
The Wind Challenger will be installed on a 174,000-cbm membrane LNG carrier ordered by MOL, with the detailed design currently underway. The innovative carrier is expected to be completed as early as 2027.
Wind propulsion can theoretically reduce fuel consumption by 10-51%, significantly lowering carbon emissions. The main wind propulsion technologies include Wing Sail, Rotor Sail, and Kite Sail systems.
MOL’s Wind Challenger uses the Wing Sail method, similar to traditional sails, which works by creating lift through pressure differences on the wing’s surfaces, turning this lift into forward thrust.
In comparison, the Rotor Sail uses a cylindrical structure and relies on the Magnus effect, where airflow accelerates around a spinning object. The Kite Sail, resembling a paragliding wing, catches wind currents like a large kite.
Meanwhile, HD Hyundai Mipo is also developing ships with sails. They are building five 1,300-TEU container ships for the French shipping company Zéphyr & Borée, which will use both methanol and wing sail propulsion systems.
In December 2020, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries received an AiP from the Korean Register (KR) for its own Rotor Sail technology. The shipbuilder has also developed a Wing Sail system, gaining AiP from Det Norske Veritas (DNV), the Norwegian classification society.
Since 2019, Hanwha Ocean has been working on Rotor Sail technology, receiving an AiP from DNV in 2021 and developing a prototype vessel. They plan to establish the world’s first Rotor Sail demonstration center by 2026.
