At Gastech 2026, KR, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, BAR Technologies, and the Liberian Registry signed an MoU to develop a 174K LNG carrier featuring BAR Technologies’ WindWings® wind-assisted propulsion system. By utilizing an innovative forward accommodation design, the project creates the necessary deck space to integrate rigid wing sails onto gas carriers. This strategic collaboration aims to assess technical feasibility and safety, ultimately paving the way for an Approval in Principle (AIP) to accelerate commercial decarbonization in the maritime sector.
Bangkok, Thailand | September 15, 2026 – In a major step toward harnessing zero-emission kinetic energy for gas transport, a powerful quartet of maritime leaders has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the world’s first wind-assisted 174,000-cubic-meter (174K) LNG carrier.
Announced on September 15, 2026, at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, the joint project brings together the Korean Register (KR), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), UK-based wind propulsion innovator BAR Technologies, and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR).
The collaboration seeks to tackle shipping’s decarbonization challenge head-on by proving that wind-assisted propulsion can be safely and effectively integrated into high-value gas carriers.
Redesigning the Deck for Wind Integration
A key hurdle in applying rigid wing sails to LNG carriers has traditionally been deck space and line-of-sight constraints. This joint development project (JDP) leverages a specialized 174K LNG carrier design by HD HHI featuring a forward accommodation arrangement.
By shifting the crew accommodation block toward the bow, the design opens up critical upper deck real estate, creating the ideal footprint to seamlessly integrate BAR Technologies’ signature WindWings® system.
- How it works: WindWings® utilize large, rigid wing sails that harness natural wind power to supply supplementary thrust.
- The payoff: By reducing the load on the vessel’s main engines, the technology significantly cuts fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while boosting overall energy efficiency.
Collaborative Roles for Commercialization
Each partner brings distinct expertise to accelerate the transition from concept to commercial reality:
- HD HHI: Leads the vessel’s fundamental engineering, basic design, and architecture review.
- BAR Technologies: Provides operational concepts, structural strength metrics, aerodynamic data, and expected fuel-saving projections.
- KR & LISCR: Conduct rigorous joint assessments on safety and regulatory compliance. Upon successful review, KR will issue an Approval in Principle (AIP), backed by the Liberian Registry’s proactive administrative support.
Executive Insights
“Through this project, we aim to integrate wind-assisted propulsion technology into our forward accommodation LNG carrier design, further enhancing the competitiveness of next-generation, low-emission LNG carriers.” said, Hongryeul Ryu, CTO, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
With WindWings® already deployed across a growing fleet of bulkers and tankers, where 23 active units are saving roughly 100 tonnes of CO2 per day, BAR Technologies is eager to cross over into the gas sector.
“We look forward to extending the application of WindWings to next-generation gas carriers, establishing a robust foundation for safe commercialisation, and providing shipowners with a genuinely attractive environmental solution.” said, John Cooper, CEO, BAR Technologies.
For classification and flag authorities, the focus remains firmly on safe, forward-thinking implementation.
“By assessing wind-assisted propulsion for LNG carriers from an early design stage, the partners can help translate the decarbonization challenge into practical opportunities for improved efficiency, without compromising safety or quality.” said, Alfonso Castillero, CEO, LISCR.
The Bigger Picture
As the maritime sector faces tightening global environmental regulations, alternative propulsion is shifting from an experimental novelty to a commercial necessity. By proving that wind technology can safely coexist with complex LNG infrastructure, this partnership sets a new benchmark for eco-friendly ship design, offering shipowners a future-proof path toward compliance and operational efficiency.
About BAR Technologies
With an impressive heritage having spun out of Great Britain’s former America’s Cup Team, BAR Technologies provides a wide range of design and engineering consultancy services across commercial ships, workboats, leisure craft, and specialized engineered solutions. The company boasts a team of world-leading naval architects, optimization specialists, fluid dynamicists, and system engineers, all focused on delivering next-generation maritime technology.
WindWings®
BAR Technologies’ patented three-element wing design is unique in the marketplace, delivering 2.5 times the lift of a single-element wing. Unlike other wind-assisted propulsion systems, WindWings® require no continuous power for suction fans or mechanical spinning. They automatically adjust their camber and angle of attack for optimized efficiency across a wide range of wind conditions, offering a proven, scalable solution for emissions reduction.
WindWings® deliver an average of 1.5 tonnes of fuel savings per wing per day across global routes, positioning them at the forefront of commercially ready, zero-emission maritime solutions supporting decarbonization at scale.
About HD Hyundai Heavy Industries
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is a global shipbuilding and engineering company providing a wide range of maritime solutions across commercial and offshore sectors. The company continues to contribute to the development of efficient and sustainable ship technologies through its advanced design and engineering capabilities.
Source: BAR Technologies