MOL to fit its Wind Challenger sails to second LNG carrier
Japanese shipowner Mitsui OSK Lines plans to equip a second LNG carrier newbuilding with its telescopic wind-assisted propulsion system — Wind Challenger.
MOL said it will install two Wind Challenger sails on a 174,000-cbm newbuilding under construction at Hanwha Ocean in South Korea which has been ordered against a long-term charter with Japanese utility Tokyo Gas’ shipping arm Tokyo LNG Tanker Co.
Each of the bow-mounted sails, which are composed of fibre reinforced plastic, can be extended in three sections to reach a height of 49 metres.
MOL, which developed Wind Challenger in partnership with Oshima Shipbuilding of Japan, claims the sails can help reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Delivery of the ME-GA propulsion system-fitted vessel is scheduled for 2026.
MOL is starting to ramp up the use of its Wind Challenger system.
The Tokyo LNG Tanker vessel will be the second LNG carrier to be fitted with the sails.
Last year, MOL announced an agreement with Chevron Shipping to install two hard sails on a newbuilding it is building for the US major at Hanwha Ocean. This ship is due for handover in 2026.
MOL has also supplied them to two bulk carriers that are now trading – the Shofu Maru and the Green Winds - and said seven more are to be fitted with the system.
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