For the first time, Wind Challengers, hard sail wind-assisted ship propulsion systems, will be installed on an LNG carrier. The project is being carried out by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Chevron Shipping Company.
MOL and Oshima Shipbuilding together developed the Wind Challenger. The newbuild LNG carrier involved is under long term charter from MOL Encean (MOL’s 100% indirectly owned subsidiary) to Chevron Asia Pacific Shipping. The vessel will mark the world’s first LNG carrier equipped with wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) systems.
The vessel is under construction at the Geoje Shipyard of Hanwha Ocean and is scheduled for delivery in 2026. In August 2024, MOL obtained an approval in principle (AiP) by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (Class NK) – a first for an LNG carrier with a WASP System. The Chevron chartered vessel will be the first application.
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Reducing fuel consumption, limited impact on operations
Wind Challenger will help reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by using its telescopic sails. In addition to the robust design of Wind Challenger itself, additional safety measures include a fully enclosed navigation bridge and a lookout station on the vessel’s fore deck to further enhance visibility.
For tradability, the installation position of the Wind Challenger aims to minimise impact on the existing design of membrane type LNG Carriers. It will enable the retention of the existing mooring arrangement and thereby minimise impacts on ship-shore compatibility, together with limited impact on the vessel’s windage area.
The Wind Challenger technology will be on exhibit at the MOL booth at Gastech Exhibition & Conference 2024 in Houston, September 17-20. Information sessions on how the technology can be applied to both LNG carriers and other vessels will also be held.
Picture: The Wind Challenger equipped LNG carrier (by MOL).
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