Korean shipping and shipbuilding interests are stepping up collaboration on wind-assisted propulsion.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD Hyundai’s mid-level holding company for institutional shipbuilding, has begun sea trials of its self-developed Wing Sail system after installing a prototype on a tanker operated by HMM.
The trials are being carried out on the 50,000 dwt MR tanker Oriental Aquamarine. Following onshore testing, the wing sail passed structural safety and basic performance verification before being mounted on the vessel, with the Korean Register completing inspection ahead of the trials. Initial runs have confirmed normal operation, HD KSOE said.
The Wing Sail is a wind-assisted propulsion device that generates thrust through aerodynamic lift, similar to an aircraft wing. The structure stands around 30 m high and 10 m wide and features auxiliary wings on either side to maximise wind utilisation. A tilting and folding function allows the sail to be lowered in heavy weather or when passing under bridges, improving operational flexibility and safety.
HD KSOE said the sea trials will focus on analysing real-world operating characteristics, fuel efficiency gains and carbon-emission reductions under various marine conditions. The data will be used to refine the technology and move toward a commercial model.
Depending on trading patterns and weather conditions, HD Hyundai estimates the Wing Sail could deliver fuel savings of between 5% and 20%. HMM plans to monitor performance over the next two years using operational data from the Oriental Aquamarine. Subject to the results, the carrier is considering wider deployment of the technology across its bulk fleet.
