Trio unveils plans for wind-assisted tanker

Classification society Bureau Veritas, South Korean shipbuilder K Shipbuilding and Spanish wind propulsion specialist bound4blue have joined forces to develop a Long Range 1 (LR1) tanker with wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS).

IMAGE: Combination carrier MV Baltazar equipped with two suction sails. bound4blue

An LR1 tanker is a medium-range product carrier typically used to transport refined petroleum products over long-distance trade routes.

Under the agreement, the three organisations will jointly design and develop a 74,000-dwt LR1 tanker featuring wind-assisted propulsion technology.

As part of the project, K Shipbuilding will lead the vessel design and oversee the integration of the wind-assisted propulsion system, while bound4blue will provide technical expertise on wind propulsion technology.

Bureau Veritas will conduct design review and verification activities to ensure compliance with classification requirements and international regulations. An Approval in Principle (AiP) is expected upon the project's successful completion.

The initiative comes amid growing industry interest in wind-assisted propulsion as shipowners pursue greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

The global fleet of large commercial vessels fitted with wind-assisted propulsion systems exceeded 100 ships in June, according to the International Windship Association.

By Tuhin Roy

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