A 50,000-ton commercial vessel using wind power to cut fuel consumption has begun ocean trials, marking a key step toward validating wind-assisted propulsion systems as a core technology for future eco-friendly ships.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, the shipbuilding holding unit of HD Hyundai, said on Monday that it has installed its self-developed Wing Sail system on a vessel operated by HMM and has begun offshore demonstration tests. The trials follow land-based verification completed in June last year and are aimed at proving the technology’s performance under real operating conditions at sea.
The Wing Sail appears as a large vertical structure mounted near the bow of the vessel, resembling an oversized sail standing upright on the deck. By capturing wind and generating lift, the installation performs a role similar to a traditional sail, supplementing engine power during navigation.
The demonstration vessel is a 50,000-ton tanker currently operated by HMM. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering installed a prototype Wing Sail measuring 30 meters in height and 10 meters in width on the ship’s deck. Sea trials conducted on Jan. 5 confirmed normal operation, and the system has also passed safety inspections by Korean Register.
By supplementing engine power, the Wing Sail system is expected to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, positioning wind-assisted propulsion as a practical solution for decarbonizing maritime transport.
Source: Pulse