ClassNK has granted approval in principle for a 40,000 cubic metre LCO2 carrier, developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Samsung Heavy Industries, that incorporates MOL’s Wind Challenger solution, a hard sail system that reduces fuel consumption by harnessing wind power. MOL describes the concept as the ‘world’s first’ wind-assisted LCO2 carrier.
ClassNK’s assessment included a review of the conceptual design based on its Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships, as well as its Guidelines for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for Ships.
The process included a hazard identification (HAZID) study that examined combined risks associated with the vessel’s design, including LCO2 cargo containment, multiple sail units, and a forward accommodation arrangement. ClassNK said it had reviewed and validated the results of the risk assessment before issuing approval.
LCO2 carriers are an increasingly central part of the logistics chain required to move captured emissions from industrial sources to often remote injection and storage facilities. Wind-assisted propulsion systems have been adopted by a small but growing number of shipowners as a way of reducing fuel consumption and GHG emissions through supplementary propulsion.
MOL plans to install wind-assisted systems on 25 vessels by 2030 and 80 vessels by 2035. It has already delivered three vessels fitted with such systems and has confirmed additional installations, including on LNG carriers.
ClassNK recently published its dedicated guidelines for wind-assisted propulsion systems, which will support the assessment and safe implementation of these technologies alongside existing ship construction rules.
