Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Takeshi Hashimoto) has been awarded an approval in principle (AiP) by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for the design of a membrane LNG Carrier installing Wind Challenger. This innovative design has been jointly developed by MOL and Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. (CEO & Vice Chairman: Kwon Hyek Woong; Head Office: Geoje-si, Korea) This AiP marks the world's first approval for an LNG carrier with a Wind-Assisted Propulsion System.

The LNG carrier that has obtained this AiP is capable of entering LNG terminals worldwide (cargo tank capacity: 174,000 cubic meters), and equipped with two Wind Challenger sails. The detailed design work is currently underway for a new LNG carrier ordered by MOL from Hanwha Ocean, aiming for actual installation.

MOL, Hanwha Ocean, and ClassNK conducted a Risk assessment that comprehensively evaluated factors such as the placement of the sails, their impact on visibility, emergency operation procedures, and other safety measures, leading to the obtaining this AiP. Additionally, the evaluation of the impact on the cargo tank due to the sail installation, conducted by Gaztransport et Technigaz SA (GTT), the designer of the vessel's cargo tank, contributed to obtaining this AiP. GTT has confirmed that the structural safety of the tank is sufficiently ensured, even when considering the stresses imposed by sails.

MOL has set a mid-to-long-term target of "achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 with the concerted effort throughout the Group" in the "MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2." One of the key strategies to achieve this target includes the "introduction of clean energy, further energy-saving technologies," and the group plans to launch 25 vessels equipped with the Wind Challenger by 2030 and 80 vessels by 2035.

The MOL Group will contribute not only to the reduction of GHG emissions from its own group, but also to the reduction and decarbonization of a whole society through the safe management and efficient operation of its environmentally friendly fleet that combines wind propulsion technology, such as the Wind Challenger.

Vessel Outline

  - Ship Owner: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
  - LOA / Breadth: About 286 m / About 46 m
  - Cargo Tank Capacity: About 174,000 m3
  - Shipyard: Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd.
  - Wind Challenger Spécifications:
    - Sail No.: 2 sails
    - Height: Up to 49 m (3-tier)
    - Width: About 15 m
    - Sail material: Fiber Reinforced Plastic

About Mitsui O.S.K Lines

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), as a multi-modal transport group, meets the needs of the era in a wide variety of fields including dry bulkers, crude oil tankers, LNG carriers and offshore business, methanol carrier, chemical tankers, product tankers, car carriers, ferries, RORO ships, and logistics. MOL’s activities are truly borderless, based on the operation of one of the world’s largest merchant fleets, backed by expertise and technology developed throughout our over 130-year history. MOL supports the growth of the world economy with the entire globe as our stage, while continually evolving into an excellent and resilient corporate group.

About GTT

GTT is a technology and engineering group with expertise in the design and development of cryogenic membrane containment systems for use in the transport and storage of liquefied gases. Over the past 60 years, the GTT Group has designed and developed, to the highest standards of excellence, some of the most innovative technologies used in LNG carriers, floating terminals, onshore storage tanks and multi-gas carriers. As part of its commitment to building a sustainable world, GTT develops new solutions designed to support ship-owners and energy providers in their journey towards a decarbonised future. As such, the Group offers systems designed to enable commercial vessels to use LNG as fuel, develops cutting-edge digital solutions to enhance vessels’ economic and environmental performance, and actively pursues innovation in the field of low-carbon solutions. Through its subsidiary, Elogen, which designs and manufactures proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers, GTT is also actively involved in the green hydrogen sector.
GTT is listed on Euronext Paris, Compartment A (ISIN FR0011726835 Euronext Paris: GTT) and is notably included in SBF 120, Stoxx Europe 600 and MSCI Small Cap indices.