Chevron-chartered LNG carrier trials wind-assisted propulsion

Fujin Sailor is the first LNG carrier to be fitted with a new hard sail wind-assisted propulsion technology developed jointly by Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) and Oshima Shipbuilding is undergoing sea trials.

According to MOL, the 174,000-m³ LNG newbuilding is equipped with two Wind Challenger fibre-reinforced plastic hard sails that can be extended to 49 m  and have a width of roughly 15 m. Designed to cut fuel consumption and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) uses proprietary technologies to sense wind direction and speed in real time and provide fully automatic control of sail extension, contraction, and rotation, according to the developers.

“This project represents a significant step forward in our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and embracing renewable energy at sea,” said MOL in a social media post.

Fujin Sailor will use its Wind Challenger sails in combination with its dual-fuel engine, air lubrication and shaft generators to maximise its energy efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and lower its CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions.

Previously reported results using the WASP technology have been promising. Wind Challenger was tested on the 100,000-dwt coal carrier Shofu Maru in October 2022. Over 18 months through April 2024, the ship transported coal on seven round-trip voyages to Japan, mainly from Australia, Indonesia, and North America, reportedly reducing daily fuel consumption by roughly 17%, or an average of between 5% and 8% per voyage.

MOL has aggressive plans to equip 25 vessels with WASP technology by 2030 and 80 vessels by 2035. These ships will be fitted with Wind Challenger technology, Rotor Sails from Anemoi Marine Technologies and Ventfoils from Econowind.

Constructed at the Geoje Shipyard of Hanwha Ocean, the LNG carrier will be delivered in the second half of this year into a long-term charter to Chevron Asia Pacific Shipping.