Wind-assisted MR tanker enters class and regulatory review pathway

The vessel concept will integrate bound4blue’s eSAIL technology.

A 50,000-deadweight-tonne medium-range (MR) tanker with wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) is underway, following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) amongst K Shipbuilding, Lloyd’s Register (LR), bound4blue, and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR).

The vessel concept will integrate bound4blue’s eSAIL technology, which uses suction sail principles to generate thrust from wind and support reductions in fuel consumption and emissions.

The partners will conduct technical and regulatory assessments of the design, including reviews against current class rules and International Maritime Organization requirements. The work will also support the process towards Approval in Principle.

K Shipbuilding will lead ship design development and integrate the propulsion system into the tanker platform.

LR will provide technical assurance and design appraisal, whilst working with LISCR on regulatory alignment.

bound4blue will provide technical input on the eSAIL system and its integration into the vessel design, with LISCR providing flag-state oversight and regulatory input.

“As demand for sustainable shipping solutions continues to grow, this MoU will further strengthen our capabilities in eco-friendly ship technology development and enhance our competitiveness in the global MR tanker market,” said Tae-Hyun Koh, Chief Technology Officer of K Shipbuilding.

The collaboration aims to validate the performance, safety, and regulatory compliance of WAPS in the MR tanker segment at an early stage of development.