KR, HD HHI, BAR Technologies and Liberian Registry join forces on wind-assisted LNG carrier

Korean Register (KR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), UK-based wind propulsion technology company BAR Technologies, and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR) to jointly develop a 174K LNG carrier equipped with the WindWings® wind-assisted propulsion system.

The agreement was signed this week at Gastech 2026 (pictured) in Bangkok and aims to assess the technical feasibility and safety of applying wind-assisted propulsion technology to LNG carriers as the global shipping industry accelerates its transition toward decarbonisation.

The project will focus on a 174K LNG carrier developed by HHI featuring a forward accommodation arrangement. By positioning the crew accommodation block toward the bow, the design provides additional space on the upper deck, creating an opportunity to integrate BAR Technologies’ WindWings® system.

WindWings® uses large, rigid wing sails installed on a vessel to harness wind as supplementary propulsion. By reducing reliance on the vessel’s main propulsion system, the technology can lower fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while improving overall energy efficiency.

Under the collaboration, HD HHI will lead the vessel’s basic design and design review, while BAR Technologies will provide technical data covering the arrangement and specifications of WindWings®, structural strength, operational concepts and expected fuel savings.

KR, together with LISCR, will assess the safety and technical suitability of the design against applicable rules and international requirements. Based on the outcome of the assessment, KR will also consider granting Approval in Principle (AIP), supporting the application and future commercialisation of wind-assisted propulsion technology on LNG carriers.

Hong-ryul Ryu, Senior Executive Vice President and CTO of HD HHI, said: “We have continued to develop innovative hull forms and arrangement concepts for LNG carriers to advance environmentally friendly ship technologies. 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.”

Separately, KR and HD HHI signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Gastech for the joint development of a 3D Model-Based Approval (3DMBA) process for ship structural design.

KR signed an MoU with Hanwha Ocean to jointly develop two design concepts for an 18,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel (LBV) at Gastech 2026.

HD HHI received an Approval in Principle (AiP) certificate from DNV and LISCR for a new 12K LNG Bunkering Vessel design, tailored to the needs of cruise ships.