New project targets wind-assisted propulsion for MR tanker sector

L to R: Kwan-Ho Song, CMO of K Shipbuilding; Nikolas Vaporis, chief technical officer, Capital Ship Management Corp; and Joe Borg, maritime strategy director, LR.

While wind-assisted propulsion has gained traction across bulk carrier and specialist vessel segments, its application in the Medium Range (MR) tanker market remains largely unexplored. A new joint development project aims to bridge that gap by assessing how wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) can be integrated into a commercially competitive tanker design, while maintaining operational flexibility and cargo-carrying capability.

The new project, launched by Capital Ship Management Corp., K Shipbuilding and Lloyd’s Register (LR) aims to develop a wind-assisted 50,000 dwt MR tanker.

The project will assess whether wind-assisted propulsion can deliver commercially viable efficiency gains for standard product tanker operations.

The collaboration combines Capital Ship Management’s operational expertise, K Shipbuilding’s tanker design and construction capability, and LR’s technical assurance and regulatory knowledge to address both the engineering and compliance challenges associated with deploying WAPS on a mainstream tanker platform.

The project will include technical studies, design optimisation and regulatory assessments to support future Approval in Principle (AiP) activities and establish a pathway towards commercial deployment.

The signing of the JDP marks the first stage of a broader technical program that will examine the operational, engineering and regulatory considerations associated with wind-assisted tanker designs, supporting the development of commercially viable solutions for low-emission shipping.

Theo Kourmpelis, global business director for tankers, Lloyd’s Register, said: “Wind-assisted propulsion has already demonstrated its potential to improve vessel efficiency, but wider adoption will depend on proving that the technology can deliver commercial value in mainstream shipping sectors. The MR tanker market is an important test case.

“Shipowners are increasingly seeking solutions that can deliver measurable efficiency improvements while supporting regulatory compliance. By combining practical operational insight with advanced ship design expertise, this project will help evaluate how wind-assisted propulsion can be effectively incorporated into future tanker designs.”

Nikolas Vaporis, chief technical officer, Capital Ship Management Corp., said: “When we took delivery of our six MR newbuildings in 2023, each one carried Wind-Assisted Ready notation, a deliberate design choice that reflected our conviction that wind propulsion would become commercially relevant for this segment. This project is the natural next step on a path we set out on from the start. Our priority now is to move from ‘ready’ to ‘proven’: a design that delivers real efficiency and emissions benefits while preserving the operational and cargo flexibility our charterers depend on.”

Tae-Hyun Koh, chief technology Officer, K Shipbuilding, said: “As the maritime industry accelerates its efforts towards decarbonization and sustainable growth, this collaboration will enable K Shipbuilding to further enhance its capabilities in developing next-generation eco-friendly vessel solutions and strengthen our position in the global MR tanker market.”