HMM deploys Korea’s first wing sail tanker

The wind-assisted tanker is expected to cut fuel consumption by 20%.

Oriental Aquamarine, Korea’s first medium-range tanker equipped with a Wing Sail—a type of wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS)—has commenced operations, according to HMM in a LinkedIn post.

The mechanism uses wind power to assist the vessel’s movement. Its wing-shaped structure generates lift, helping to reduce fuel consumption.

The system is estimated to deliver fuel savings of between 5% and 20%, lowering carbon emissions and supporting compliance with increasingly stringent global environmental regulations.

HMM said it will assess the system’s performance over the next two years, with the possibility of expanding its use across its bulk carrier fleet.