A first-of-its-kind initiative, Mitsui O. S. K. Lines (MOL) of Japan and Chevron shipping company selected an LNG carrier to integrate Wind Challenger, a wind-assisted system on its new vessel.
This partnership is quite important as the vessel to be constructed according to the existing agreement will be the first LNG carrier equipped with such technologies and striving for optimal levels of fuel efficiency and minimal impact on the environment.
World's First LNG Carrier Operated With The Help of Wind
Chevron Shipping Company and Mitsui O.S.K Lines from Japan partnered to launch Wind Challenger, an innovative wind-assisted propulsion system. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL)
Built at Hanwah Ocean Geoje Shipyard in South Korea, the LNG can carry up to 174,000 cubic meters. The vessel is anticipated to be accessible by 2026.
Furthermore, Chevron Asia Pacific Shipping will be the first to utilize the Wind Challenger system-a new tech that uses telescoping sails to seize wind energy.
These sails are expected to cut the ship's fuel use and GHG output slightly, making the firm a pioneer in the industry's green revolution.
Wind Challenger: A Game-Changer in Marine Propulsion
According to Interesting Engineering, its potential as a game changer in marine propulsion can rival those of other port-based industries such as steel production, the production of cement and construction materials, food processing and manufacturing, etc.
Indeed, the Wind Challenger is a creation from MOL catering to the growing need for the reduction of the carbon footprint within the shipping industry. With the global trend towards carbon neutrality forming an aggressive trend in today's markets, MOL has ventured into this WSPP technology to harness wind energy as a renewable and clean source of energy.
Essentially, this technology engages automatic sail control along with wind monitoring to allow the ships to find the best path to follow and enhance fuel consumption. The sails are made from the GFRP glass fiber-reinforced plastic material, the sails extend and also contract depending on the weathering prevailing in the surrounding environment. It affords stability, especially during storms, and is as safe as a conventional ship hence reducing the overall fuel consumption of the ship.
Two years ago, the firm delivered the first partially wind-powered 100, 422 DWT bulk carrier known as Shofu Maru. Saves for the whole 18 months and 7 round-trip crossings, the fuel consumption of the Shofu Maru was slashed by 17% per day, and individual voyage crossing showed a range of 5-8% average savings. It also proves the effectiveness of wind-assisted propulsion in the maritime sector going forward.
Expanding Wind-Assisted Propulsion to LNG Carriers
Starting with the Shofu Maru, MOL has now attained the Approval in Principle (AiP) from ClassNK for the LNG carrier concept fitted with the Wind Challenger system. This innovative design will be incorporated for the first time on the vessel to be chartered by Chevron and it aims at introducing wind energy in the LNG segment.
The telescopic sails of the Wind Challenger are positioned in such a way that the stability of the ship is not compromised while the sails do not interfere with the existing ships. This integration enables the LNG carrier to maintain the conventional membrane type which makes use of the mooring system and does not interfere mainly with the ship-to-shore activities.
Enhanced Safety and Efficiency
For additional operational safety, the Wind Challenger system incorporates a fully enclosed navigation bridge and a lookout station at the foredeck. These features enhance visibility and stability and can endure all the wrath that the weather can present.
Also, positioning of the sails minimizes the windage area hence the ability to maintain operational efficiency while at the same time not being a hindrance to the performance of the ship.
"The Wind Challenger can be fitted on both newly constructed and existing ships. It does not interfere with existing energy-efficiency devices below the waterline, can be implemented on a wide range of vessels, from bulk carriers (dry bulk ships) to tankers and LNG carriers, and can be installed multiple times," MOL said in its official website.
