In a groundbreaking move toward reducing carbon emissions in maritime transport, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Chevron Shipping Company LLC (Chevron), a subsidiary of Chevron U.S.A. Inc., have announced a significant partnership. The two companies have agreed to install the Wind Challenger, an innovative hard sail wind-assisted ship propulsion system, on a new LNG carrier. This vessel, currently under construction, will be the first LNG carrier in the world to be equipped with this advanced propulsion technology.
Key Details of the Agreement
- Parties Involved: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. and Chevron Shipping Company LLC.
- Technology: Wind Challenger, developed jointly by MOL and Oshima Shipbuilding.
- Vessel Details: The new LNG carrier, under a long-term charter from MOL Encean Pte. Ltd. (a 100% indirectly owned subsidiary of MOL) to Chevron Asia Pacific Shipping Pte. Ltd., will be the World’s First NG carrier to use Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion Systems.
- Construction: The vessel is being built at Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd.’s Geoje Shipyard and is scheduled for delivery in 2026.
- Approval: MOL has obtained an Approval in Principle (AiP) from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (Class NK) for the LNG carrier’s Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion System, marking a world first in this category.
Technology and Design
The Wind Challenger technology will utilize telescopic sails to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The system features robust design elements and enhanced safety measures, including a fully enclosed navigation bridge and a lookout station on the vessel’s fore deck to improve visibility.
To ensure compatibility with the existing design of membrane-type LNG carriers, the Wind Challenger’s installation has been strategically positioned. This design consideration aims to minimize impacts on the vessel’s mooring arrangement and windage area, thereby maintaining operational efficiency.
Barbara Pickering, President of Chevron Shipping Company, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership: “We’re proud to partner with MOL in Wind Challenger’s industry-first LNG installation. This is another example of employing innovative approaches in challenging sectors to reduce carbon intensity in our LNG fleet.”
Takeshi Hashimoto, President and CEO of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, highlighted the project’s significance: “With Chevron’s support, we are thrilled to extend the Wind Challenger Project to LNG carriers, following the successful delivery of two Wind Challenger-equipped bulkers and other ongoing projects. Achieving GHG reduction in the maritime transport of LNG, which is increasingly in demand worldwide as a transition fuel, is a crucial mission for us. This project represents a significant milestone toward achieving ‘net zero GHG emissions by 2050,’ as outlined in our ‘Environmental Vision 2.2.'”
Vessel Specifications
- Ship Owner: MOL Encean Pte. Ltd.
- Length Overall (LOA): Approximately 286 meters
- Breadth: Approximately 46 meters
- Cargo Tank Capacity: Approximately 174,000 cubic meters
- Shipyard: Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd.
- Wind Challenger Specifications:
- Number of Sails: 2
- Height: Up to 49 meters (3-tier)
- Width: Approximately 15 meters
- Sail Material: Fiber Reinforced Plastic
About Chevron
Chevron is a major integrated energy company that produces crude oil and natural gas and manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, and petrochemicals. The company is focused on reducing the carbon intensity of its operations and advancing lower-carbon technologies.
About MOL
MOL is a leading global shipping company with over 800 vessels in service. It offers a diverse range of services, including dry cargo shipping, LNG carriers, car carriers, and tankers. The company is committed to environmental protection and social infrastructure, including logistics and offshore wind power.
Source Mitsui O.S.K. Lines