World’s First Dual Wind Sails Installed On LNG Carrier At Hanwha Ocean Shipyard

Hanwha Ocean has achieved a significant maritime milestone by installing the world’s first dual wind sails on a 174,000-cbm membrane-type LNG carrier. Currently under construction at the Hanwha Ocean shipyard, this innovative vessel is scheduled for delivery in the second half of fiscal year 2026. By integrating advanced wind-assisted propulsion technology, this project marks a pivotal shift in LNG carrier design, aiming to drastically reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions for future long-haul liquefied natural gas transport operations.

This installation aligns with the IMO’s stringent EEDI and EEXI requirements, which mandate significant carbon intensity reductions for newbuilds under MARPOL Annex VI. Compliance departments must now integrate wind-assisted propulsion systems into their Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP Part III) to ensure ongoing adherence to CII ratings. Classification societies are closely monitoring these dual sails to ensure they meet SOLAS Chapter II-1 structural integrity standards, as the integration of wind-assist technology requires rigorous stability assessments and updated safety protocols for global LNG trade routes.

For deck officers and masters, the practical impact involves mastering new bridge navigation procedures to account for the aerodynamic forces generated by these dual sails. Navigating officers must integrate wind-assist performance data into daily passage planning to optimize fuel efficiency without compromising vessel safety. Understanding the specific handling characteristics of wind-assisted LNG carriers will become a critical competency for bridge teams, requiring updated training on how these sails influence maneuvering and stability during varying sea states and wind conditions.