Installation of the Wind Challenger by Retrofitting on an In-service Vessel | Case Study

Solutions

MOL has established the "MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2" and has set the target of achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050. "Further adoption of energy-saving technologies," is incorporated in the key strategies to achieve this target and the group plans to launch 25 vessels equipped with the Wind Challenger by 2030 and 80 vessels by 2035.

In May 2024, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. and Electric Power Development Co., Ltd.(J-Power) have agreed to install the Wind Challenger hard sail wind power propulsion system, which converts wind energy to propulsive force, on the coal carrier Kurotakisan Maru Ⅲ, which transports steaming coal to J-Power's power stations. The installation is scheduled for the second half of 2025.

This marks the first installation of the Wind Challenger on a vessel currently in service by retrofitting.

The introduction of the Wind Challenger is expected to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by about 5% on a Japan-Australia voyage and about 8% on a Japan-North America West Coast voyage, compared to a conventional vessel of the same type, thus contributing to reduced GHG emissions during fuel transportation.

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.