The Liberian Registry, the world’s largest ship registry, and the Korean Register (KR) awarded Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) Approval in Principle (AiP) on 19 November for the basic design of an LNG carrier equipped with wing sails.
This eco-friendly auxiliary propulsion system generates thrust by creating lift through a pressure difference across the upper and lower sections of the wing-like sail structure.
Moreover, the newly certified LNG carrier improves propulsion efficiency by incorporating wing sails. It also features a forward bridge placement, effectively addressing the navigation visibility challenges typically associated with wind-assisted propulsion systems.
SHI anticipates that combining the wing sail with its “SAVER Wind” air resistance reduction device will further cut wind resistance, optimize wind propulsion, and reduce carbon emissions.
“Wind power, being both infinite and emissions-free, is a crucial pillar for achieving carbon neutrality in the shipbuilding and shipping industry. Samsung Heavy Industries is committed to focusing its efforts on developing products and technologies that comply with environmental regulations,” commented Jang Hae-gi, Executive Vice President and Head of Technology Development at Samsung Heavy Industries.
Also, the UK Department of Transport’s Clean Maritime Plan projects the wind propulsion technology market to grow to 3.5 trillion KRW by the 2050s. In alignment with this outlook, SHI aims to extend the application of this technology to other eco-friendly vessels, such as ammonia and carbon dioxide carriers.
“This AiP certification reflects SHI’s continued innovation in eco-friendly technologies. We believe it will significantly contribute to helping the shipping industry reach carbon neutrality,” stated Kim Yeon-tae, KR’s Chief Technical Officer.
“The maritime industry is a hard-to-abate sector that needs innovation and new technologies to reduce GHG emissions. Although ships have been using the wind to sail the oceans for over 5000 years, it is new and innovative to use wing sails on ocean-going cargo ships, especially LNG carriers. Therefore, the Liberian Registry is very proud to award Samsung Heavy Industries an Approval In Principle for their Wing Sail System installed on their eco-friendly LNG carrier design that supplements the AIP issued by KR,” added Thomas Klenum, Executive Vice President of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR).
