Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. (CEO & Vice Chairman: Kwon Hyek-woong) announced that it has jointly developed the design of a membrane LNG carrier equipped with the Wind Challenger system, in collaboration with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Takeshi Hashimoto)

To facilitate the installation of the Wind Challenger, a sail-type Wind-Assisted Propulsion System (WAPS) developed by MOL, Hanwha Ocean led the overall design of the LNG carrier, including structural and outfitting design. With Hanwha Ocean’s support, MOL successfully obtained Approval in Principle (AIP) from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for this innovative design. The design will be applied to an LNG carrier ordered by MOL..

The LNG carrier, to be built by Hanwha Ocean, is a large vessel with a cargo tank capacity of 174,000 cubic meters. It can access LNG terminals worldwide and will be equipped with two Wind Challenger sails. Towards the delivery of the actual equipped vessel, Hanwha Ocean is currently conducting detailed design on the newly built LNG carrier ordered by MOL.

In applying for this AIP, Hanwha Ocean, MOL, and ClassNK conducted a Risk Assessment. This assessment comprehensively evaluated the placement of the sails, their impact on visibility, emergency operation procedures, and other safety measures.

To meet the strict environmental regulations imposed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Hanwha Ocean is providing a variety of green solutions to reduce carbon emissions. It is proactively developing products that incorporate both eco-friendly and smart technologies, such as the Smart Lighting System and smart ship technology that monitors a vessel’s Carbon Intensity Index (CII). Additionally, it is planning to develop alternative-fuel propulsion systems that use green fuels, including ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen.