An agreement was signed to assess the technical and safety capabilities of wind propulsion technology in liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers on September 15, 2026, at the Gastech 2026 exhibition in Bangkok. This collaboration aims to accelerate the maritime transport industry's transition towards decarbonization.
Project Details and Ship Design
The project focuses on an LNG vessel with a capacity of 174,000 cubic meters designed by HHI. This ship features a residential arrangement at the front, providing additional deck space by placing the accommodation block near the bow of the ship. This design offers an opportunity to integrate the WindWings® system from BAR Technologies.
Benefits of WindWings® Technology
WindWings® technology utilizes wind as an auxiliary propulsion force, reducing reliance on main propulsion systems by installing large, rigid sails on the ship. This technology can decrease fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while improving overall energy efficiency.
In this collaboration, HHI will be responsible for the main ship design and design review, while BAR Technologies will provide technical data related to the arrangement and specifications of WindWings®, structural integrity, operational concepts, and fuel savings.
KR, along with LISCR, will assess the safety and technical compliance of the design with international regulations and requirements. Based on the evaluation results, KR will also consider granting an Approval in Principle (AIP) to support the future application and commercialization of wind propulsion technology in LNG vessels.
Hongryul Ryu, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of HHI, stated: “We continue to develop innovative hull forms and layout concepts for LNG vessels to advance environmentally friendly marine technologies. Through this project, our goal is to integrate wind propulsion technology into the design of LNG vessels with forward accommodation to enhance the competitiveness of the next generation of low-emission LNG vessels.”
John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, added: “We have already deployed WindWings® on 10 cargo and tanker vessels, collectively saving about 100 tons of CO₂ per day. We are looking to expand the application of WindWings® to next-generation gas vessels to create a strong foundation for safe commercialization and provide an attractive environmental solution for shipowners.”
Alfonso Castillero, CEO of Liberia's ship registry and company, also remarked: “This collaboration represents Liberia's proactive approach to supporting the safe and responsible advancement of marine innovations. By assessing wind propulsion technology for LNG vessels from the early design stages, partners can turn the decarbonization challenge into practical opportunities for improving efficiency, designing future-ready vessels, and gaining competitive advantage without compromising safety or quality.”
