Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced an exciting development in maritime technology. In partnership with Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-Power), MOL will retrofit the Kurotakisan Maru III, a coal carrier, with the innovative Wind Challenger hard sail wind power propulsion system. This groundbreaking project marks the world’s first installation of the Wind Challenger on an in-service vessel, scheduled for the latter half of 2025.
The Wind Challenger is a state-of-the-art system that harnesses wind energy to generate propulsive force, effectively reducing reliance on conventional fuel. This technology is a significant leap forward in efforts to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For example, on a voyage between Japan and Australia, the Wind Challenger is expected to reduce GHG emissions by about 5%, and on a route from Japan to the North American West Coast, the reduction could reach around 8%.
MOL’s commitment to environmental sustainability is outlined in its “MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2,” which sets a goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. A key strategy to reach this goal is the adoption of energy-saving technologies like the Wind Challenger. MOL plans to equip 25 vessels with this technology by 2030, expanding to 80 vessels by 2035.
The Kurotakisan Maru III, operated by MOL, was delivered in December 2021 by Oshima Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. The ship measures 234.96 meters in length, 38.00 meters in breadth, and boasts a deadweight tonnage of 89,999 tons. With the installation of the Wind Challenger, this vessel will pioneer new standards in eco-friendly maritime transport.
This initiative underscores MOL’s proactive approach to reducing the maritime industry’s carbon footprint. By leveraging wind-assisted propulsion, MOL is not only enhancing operational efficiency but also contributing to the global effort to combat climate change. This project represents a significant step towards a low-carbon society and sets a precedent for the future of shipping.
