MOL to install wind-assisted propulsion systems on seven newbuilds

Japanese shipping firm Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has announced plans to equip seven of its newbuilds with wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS).

PHOTO: MOL’s bulk carrier, Shofu Maru, equipped with a hard sail wind power propulsion system. MOL

Among the seven ships, six newly constructed bulk carriers will each feature a hard-sail wind power propulsion system. Contracts have been finalized with Japanese shipyard Oshima Shipbuilding for three of these vessels, while arrangements are being made for the remaining trio. MOL Drybulk will operate all seven ships.

Additionally, MOL Drybulk has opted to install two foldable, autonomous wind-assisted ship propulsion systems on one of its new multipurpose vessels set to be delivered in 2025. The system will be supplied by Dutch maritime wind-power tech firm EconoWind.

This project will increase MOL's total count of vessels outfitted with wind propulsion systems to 11.

WAPS have been gaining popularity among shipowners as they help to improve vessel fuel efficiency.

This week, MOL and power generation company Electric Power Development (J-Power) agreed to retrofit a coal carrier with a hard sail wind power propulsion system. Also, this week, German maritime firm ESTE Shipping announced that it will add a wind propulsion system-equipped mini bulk carrier, M/V FS-ESTE, to its fleet by the end of 2025.

By Tuhin Roy

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