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Install Wind Challenger Hard Sail Propulsion Systems on LNG Carrier Serving Tokyo Gas
April 10, 2025
TOKYO-Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Takeshi Hashimoto) today announced an agreement with Tokyo LNG Tanker Co., Ltd. (TLT; President: Yumiko Yao; Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo), a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. (President: Shinichi Sasayama; Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) to install two Wind Challenger wind-assisted ship propulsion systems developed by MOL and Oshima Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. together on a newbuilding LNG carrier (Note 1) that will be under a long-term charter to TLT.
This is the world's second Wind Challenger to be installed on an LNG carrier. Two bulk carriers equipped with the system have already been delivered and seven more are scheduled for delivery (Note 2).
One of the features of the Wind Challenger is its telescopic sail, which helps reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
As the world's largest owner of LNG carriers, MOL remains committed to promoting a decarbonized society. Through proactive efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of LNG ocean transport, we are addressing the increasing global demand with innovative and sustainable approaches.
＜Outline of the vessel＞
| LOA/Breadth | 294.9m/46.4m |
| Cargo Tank Capacity | 174,000m3 membrane type |
| Main Engine | ME-GA |
| Shipyard | Geoje Shipyard of Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: South Korea) |
| Delivery | 2026 |
| Wind Challenger Specifications |
Number of Sails: 2 Height: Up to 49m (3-tier) Width: About 15m Sail material: Fiber Reinforced Plastic |
(Note 1) The order for this vessel was announced in the March 5, 2024, press release: MOL and TLT Signs Long-Term Charter Deal for Newbuilding LNG Carrier
(Note 2) Vessels Equipped with the Wind Challenger
| Delivery status | Ship Type/No. of Vessels | Related press release |
|---|---|---|
| Delivered | Bulk carrier/2 | October 7, 2022: Delivery of Shofu Maru, World's First Cargo Vessel equipped with 'Wind Challenger' Hard Sail May 15, 2024: Shofu Maru, World's 1st Wind Challenger-equipped Coal Carrier, Achieves Fuel Savings of 17% July 10, 2024: MOL Announces Delivery of Bulk Carrier Green Winds, 2nd Vessel Equipped with Wind Challenger Hard Sail Propulsion System |
| Scheduled for deliver | Bulk carrier/7 | May 24, 2024: Wind Challenger to Be Installed on Coal Carrier for J-Power -World's 1st Retrofit on an In-service Vessel- May 27, 2024: Wind Propulsion Systems will be Installed on 7 Vessels Operated by MOL Drybulk |
| LNG carrier/2 (incl. one for this project) |
September 13, 2024: MOL and Chevron Shipping Company to Install Wind Challenger on LNG Carrier Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion Systems is an LNG Shipping First |
MOL Group 5 Sustainability Issues
MOL Group identifies "Sustainability Issues" (Materiality) as our key issues for sustainable growth with society through realization of the Group Vision.
We anticipate this initiative to contribute especially to the realization of "Environment -Conservation for Marine and global environment-" and "Innovation -Innovation for development in marine technology-".
