MOL names LNG carrier with two wind-assisted propulsion units

Vessel is designed to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has named its latest LNG carrier equipped with two Wind Challenger wind-assisted propulsion units.

The FUJIN SAILOR was named on 10 September at Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje Shipyard in South Korea.

The vessel will be delivered to Chevron under a long-term charter contract by the end of September 2026.

The Wind Challenger system is designed to cut fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional propulsion.

The vessel is the first LNG carrier to use wind-assisted propulsion and the first vessel of any type equipped with two Wind Challenger units.

It is also the fourth of 11 MOL Group vessels planned to use the technology.

“FUJIN SAILOR represents the combined efforts of many and demonstrates how practical innovation can help reduce the carbon intensity of LNG transportation while supporting the safe and reliable delivery of energy around the world,” said Molly Laegeler, president of supply & trading at Chevron.

“Through the installation of wind-assisted propulsion technology, this vessel represents a new milestone in innovation of LNG carriers and is expected to contribute to the greater integration of new technologies to support GHG management in LNG transportation,” added Makoto Inomoto, managing executive officer responsible for LNG and Ethane Business, MOL.

MOL plans to deploy 25 Wind Challenger-equipped vessels by 2030 and 80 by 2035 as part of its goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.