Delivery of the first crane vessel equipped with Wind Challenger | Case Study

Solutions

Key Points of this Project

MOL Group will make a concerted effort to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050.
MOL Group plans to launch 25 vessels equipped with the Wind Challenger by 2030 and 80 vessels by 2035.
The world's first crane vessel equipped with the Wind Challenger was completed and started her operation.
With the Wind Challenger, the vessel is expected to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by about 7%-16%, depending on the ship route, vessel type and other conditions.

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

In August 2022, MOL signs deal to build 2nd bulk carrier equipped with 'Wind Challenger' Hard Sail System which vessel operated by MOL Dry Bulk Ltd.

In July 2024, The vessel is completed and started her operation

The Wind Challenger is a device developed by MOL and Oshima Shipbuilding co., Ltd. that converts wind energy to propulsive force using telescoping hard sails. With the Wind Challenger, the vessel is expected to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by about 7%-16%, depending on the ship route and other conditions*.

* Fuel savings and GHG reductions achieved by the Wind Challenger depend on the ship type, route, and other conditions of the vessel on which it is installed.

This vessel is a smaller bulk carrier compared to the Shofu Maru (100,000 DWT), with 64,000 DWT. Therefore, the Wind Challenger had to be installed smaller version. In order to develop a smaller version of the hard sail, we have expanded the use of FRP, and the drive mechanism for expansion and contraction has been converted from hydraulic to electric. That is to say, a lighter model with a height of 38 meters (approx. 124 ft) and a width of 11 meters (approx. 36 ft) when fully expanded is being prepared.

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.