Giving LNG Carriers a Boost with Wings... KR Develops Technology with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Others

[Financial News] Development is moving forward in earnest on next-generation eco-friendly ship technology that uses large wings mounted on LNG carriers to harness wind power as auxiliary propulsion.
Korean Register (KR) announced on the 15th that it had signed a memorandum of understanding in Bangkok, where Gastech 2026 is being held, with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, British wind-propulsion technology company BAR Technologies, and The Liberian Registry to jointly develop a bow-accommodation LNG carrier equipped with the WindWings wind-assisted propulsion system.
The project was launched to jointly assess the technical feasibility and safety of applying wind-assisted propulsion technology to LNG carriers as the international shipping industry accelerates its transition to decarbonization.
The vessel targeted for joint development is HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ 174K-class bow-accommodation LNG carrier. Its distinctive design places the crew’s living quarters at the front of the vessel, creating additional space on the upper deck.
The project will examine the application of WindWings, the wind-assisted propulsion system developed by BAR Technologies, in this space. WindWings uses large wing-like devices installed on ships to harness wind power as auxiliary propulsion. It can improve a vessel’s energy efficiency by reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will handle the vessel’s basic design and review. BAR Technologies will provide technical data on the arrangement and specifications of WindWings, structural strength, the operating concept, and fuel-saving effects.
Korean Register, together with The Liberian Registry, will assess safety and technical suitability under relevant rules and international standards. Based on the results, it will consider issuing an Approval in Principle (AIP).
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Technical Division Head Ryu Hong-ryeol said, "We have continued to develop innovative hull forms and layout concepts for LNG carriers to advance eco-friendly ship technology. Through this project, we will integrate wind-assisted propulsion technology into a bow-accommodation LNG carrier and enhance the competitiveness of next-generation eco-friendly LNG carriers."
KR Chairman Lee Young-seok said, "Through this joint development project, we will clarify the feasibility of applying wind-assisted propulsion technology to LNG carriers and actively support the safe and reliable adoption of eco-friendly technology by working closely with the shipyard, technology developer, and flag state."


[email protected] Kwon Byung-seok Reporter