Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Oshima Shipbuilding have announced the completion of a hard sail system developed for the Wind Challenger Project at the Oshima shipyard in Japan.
The Wind Challenger Project has been promoted by MOL and aims to harness the power of the wind for use as propulsion for large vessels. It is estimated that by utilizing wind power, a vessel’s greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by 5% to 8% when compared to traditionally powered vessels in the same class.
Following shoreside testing, the recently completed hard sail will be installed on board a bulk carrier which is under construction at the Oshima Shipbuilding site.
Once sea trials using the system are complete, the vessel will be delivered in autumn 2022 for use in the cargo transportation sector.
MOL aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and plans to participate in a range of projects including Wind Challenger and the establishment of clean energy supply chains within the maritime industry.
