WindWings Eyed for Next-Generation HD Hyundai LNG Carrier

Korean Register, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, BAR Technologies and the Liberian Registry are teaming up to study the use of large wing sails on a new generation of LNG carriers.

The four companies signed a memorandum of understanding at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok on Tuesday covering development of a 174,000-cubic-meter LNG carrier equipped with BAR Technologies’ WindWings wind-assisted propulsion system.

The project will assess the technical feasibility, safety and regulatory requirements involved in fitting the rigid wing sails to an LNG carrier as shipowners and builders look for ways to cut fuel consumption and emissions.

The concept centers on a 174,000-cubic-meter LNG carrier developed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries with its accommodation block positioned toward the bow. The forward-accommodation layout frees up additional upper-deck space that could be used to install the WindWings system.

WindWings are large rigid sails designed to provide supplementary propulsion by harnessing wind, reducing the amount of power required from a vessel’s main engine and, in turn, lowering fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Under the joint development project, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will lead the vessel’s basic design and design review. BAR Technologies will provide technical data covering the WindWings arrangement, structural requirements, operating concepts and projected fuel savings.

Korean Register and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry will assess the design against applicable classification rules and international regulations. KR said it will also consider granting Approval in Principle based on the results of the study.

“We have continued to develop innovative hull forms and arrangement concepts for LNG carriers to advance environmentally friendly ship technologies,” said Hongryeul Ryu, chief technology officer of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.

“Through this project, we aim to integrate wind-assisted propulsion technology into our forward accommodation LNG carrier design, further enhancing the competitiveness of next-generation, low-emission LNG carriers.”

BAR Technologies CEO John Cooper said the company already has WindWings deployed across 10 bulkers and tankers, with 23 individual sails collectively saving about 100 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per day.

“We look forward to extending the application of WindWings to next-generation gas carriers, establishing a robust foundation for safe commercialisation, and providing shipowners with a genuinely attractive environmental solution,” Cooper said.

Kyujin Yeon, executive vice president of Korean Register, said the project would help determine whether the technology can be safely incorporated into the LNG carrier design while meeting existing regulatory requirements.

“By working closely with the shipyard, technology provider and flag administration, KR will continue to support the safe and reliable adoption of innovative technologies that contribute to the maritime industry’s decarbonization,” Yeon said.

Liberian Registry CEO Alfonso Castillero said evaluating the technology early in the ship design process could help turn emissions-reduction requirements into practical gains in efficiency and vessel competitiveness.

The project comes as interest in wind-assisted propulsion continues to expand beyond bulk carriers and tankers, with shipowners increasingly evaluating the technology as a way to reduce fuel costs and comply with tightening emissions rules.

Subscribe for Daily Maritime Insights

Sign up for gCaptain’s newsletter and never miss an update

— trusted by our 107,489 members