Wind-assisted LNG carrier concept gains class AiP

Bureau Veritas has granted an approval in principle (AiP) for a wind-assisted LNG carrier concept developed by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co (DSIC), part of an ongoing process of innovations in the LNG sector active through 2025.

Bureau Veritas said the concept incorporated four foldable wing sails, each “providing a maximum thrust of 2,900 kN”, with “a reduction of 5% in energy consumption compared to the same LNG carrier without sails.”

It added aerodynamic performance has been optimised using computational fluid dynamics, alongside “safety and stability analysis”, with the vessel’s hull form and cargo tanks assessed to meet “the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) rules and regulations.”

DSIC noted that the AiP is evidence its wind-assisted approach had progressed beyond a concept sketch, “This groundbreaking achievement confirms the innovation, feasibility and safety of this design solution for LNG carriers,” the yard said, adding it had “a strong foundation for promoting green, low-carbon shipping.”

Bureau Veritas took a similar line on the maturity of the package, stating, “The endorsement confirms the maturity of this concept and paves the way for further developments and potential future installations of wing sails on LNG carriers.”

Throughout 2025, AiPs were issued in relatively high numbers, reflecting the landscape of innovation in the LNG sector, including another wind-assisted propulsion design announced by Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) in September 2025.

This updated two updated LNG carrier designs developed with Hyundai Heavy Industries and Samsung Heavy Industries, each incorporating four hard-sail units.

Lloyd’s Register granted AiPs for both designs, and quoted MOL’s expectation that fuel-saving performance “is expected to reach up to approximately 30% per voyage with an average annual saving of 15%-20%,” based on preliminary calculations.