KR, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, BAR Technologies and Liberian Registry Join Forces on Wind-Assisted LNG Carrier
Korean Register (KR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), UK-based wind propulsion technology company BAR Technologies, and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR) to jointly develop a 174K LNG carrier equipped with the WindWings® wind-assisted propulsion system. The agreement was signed on September 15 at Gastech ...
KR, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, BAR Technologies and Liberian Registry have formed a partnership to develop a 174,000 gross tonnage LNG carrier equipped with wind-assisted propulsion technology. The agreement, signed on September 15 at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, aims to assess the technical feasibility and safety of implementing wind-assisted propulsion on LNG carriers as the shipping industry pushes for decarbonization.
The partnership focuses on a vessel featuring a forward accommodation arrangement, which creates additional space on the upper deck to accommodate BAR Technologies' WindWings® system. WindWings® utilizes large, rigid wing sails to harness wind as supplementary propulsion, potentially reducing fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and improving energy efficiency.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will lead the vessel's basic design and design review, BAR Technologies will provide technical data on the WindWings® system, structural strength, operational concepts, and expected fuel savings. Korean Register, along with the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry, will evaluate the safety and technical suitability of the design against applicable rules and international requirements.
If successful, Korean Register may grant an Approval in Principle, supporting the application and commercialization of wind-assisted propulsion technology on LNG carriers.
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