WIND CHALLENGER Delivery of 1st Wind Challenger | Case Study

Solutions

Key Points of this Project

Construction on the first vessel equipped with Wind Challenger technology, which converts wind energy into propulsion power for shipping vessels, is scheduled for completion.
One sail can be expected to reduce GHG emissions by approximately 5-8% when compared to conventional vessels of the same size.
The vessel is scheduled for delivery as a dedicated ship for Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc. in October 2022.
This represents a step forward in the challenging path towards decarbonization.

The biggest challenges were to install a rigid sail on a large nine-ton commercial vessel for the first time in the world, and to secure safety during navigation and loading/unloading cargo with the rigid sail installed at the bow. For this reason, we built a navigation simulator based on information about anticipated ports of call. We then provided detailed explanation about seaworthiness and safety in navigation, docking/undocking and loading/unloading cargo to over 30 stakeholders in and out of Japan including bases, Japan Coast Guard, port authorities, and pilotage authorities. All these stakeholders showed much interest and favorable responses.

WIND CHALLENGER

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has developed the Wind Challenger, which converts wind energy directly to a vessel propulsion force through an extensive use of the latest technologies. Wind energy is clean and unlimited. We aim to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions by converting wind energy to propulsion force for ships. In October 2022, the 1st vessel, “SHOFU MARU” was delivered and started operation.

WIND HUNTER

This is an ultimate zero emission project under the Wind Challenger Project, currently in progress with MOL.
Offshore wind energy from sails is used not only as a propulsive force for the vessels, but also for the generation of hydrogen. We are studying ways to supply hydrogen to users on shore by combining this system with fuel cell, etc.