Lloyd’s Register and partners to advance wind-assisted MR tanker design

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) and partners have agreed to jointly develop a 50,000-dwt medium range (MR) tanker, incorporating wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS).

IMAGE: bound4blue's suction sail on the general cargo vessel Fluvius Tavy. bound4bluea

Project partners also include wind-assisted propulsion technology developer bound4blue, shipping company K Shipbuilding and Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR).

Under the agreement, the project partners will conduct technical and regulatory evaluation of the design.

LR will provide design appraisal and support in achieving an Approval in Principle (AiP), while LISCR will work on regulatory alignment.

The concept will incorporate bound4blue’s suction sails to harness wind energy and deliver direct thrust – improving efficiency and reducing fuel consumption, LR said.

WAPS, like the suction sails, have been gaining popularity among shipowners as they look for technologies that can boost vessel performance, reduce fuel use, and enhance sustainability.

“The collaboration is intended to reduce uncertainty around the adoption of WAPS in the tanker market by validating performance, safety and regulatory compliance at an early stage,” the classification society added.

By Aparupa Mazumder

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online