Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and its subsidiary MOL Drybulk Ltd. have set their sights on harnessing wind power to drive their vessels into a greener future. The companies have unveiled plans to equip seven of their new bulk carriers and multi-purpose vessels with wind propulsion systems, including the innovative Wind Challenger technology.
This move follows successful trials on the vessel Shofu Maru, where the Wind Challenger sail demonstrated a remarkable reduction in daily fuel consumption of up to 17%. However, it’s worth noting that the actual fuel savings and greenhouse gas reduction can vary based on factors such as the vessel type and shipping route.
With these additions, the MOL Group’s fleet will soon boast a total of nine Wind Challenger-equipped vessels, pushing the overall tally of vessels with wind propulsion systems to 11. Out of the seven vessels earmarked for this eco-friendly upgrade, six bulk carriers will each receive one Wind Challenger. Construction contracts for three of these vessels have already been inked with Oshima Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., while negotiations for the remaining trio are underway.
In an expansion of their green fleet strategy, MOL Drybulk has also decided to install Ventfoils, foldable and autonomous wind-assisted propulsion units, on one of its multipurpose vessels slated for delivery in 2025.
These initiatives align with MOL’s broader environmental vision, aiming to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To meet this ambitious target, the company plans to roll out 25 Wind Challenger-equipped vessels by 2030, scaling up to 80 vessels by 2035.
By investing in wind propulsion technologies like the Wind Challenger and Ventfoils, MOL Group aims not only to reduce its own carbon footprint but also to drive broader societal decarbonization efforts. These environmentally friendly vessels represent a significant step towards a more sustainable future for maritime transportation.
About MOL Group
MOL Group, headquartered in Japan, is a leading shipping company operating on a global scale with about 800 vessels in service. The company develops various social infrastructure businesses centered on ocean shipping, as well as technologies and services to meet ever-changing social needs, including environmental protection. The MOL fleet includes dry cargo ships, liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, car carriers, and tankers.
With one of the largest merchant fleets and 140 years of history, experience, and technology, MOL will make a leap forward to become a global social infrastructure company, supporting people’s daily lives from the blue ocean, opening the way to a prosperous future, and delivering new value to all stakeholders.
Source MOL Mitsui O.S.K.Lines