KR, HHI, BAR Technologies and LISCR join forces on WindWings LNG carrier

Korean Register (KR), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), BAR Technologies and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop a 174,000-cu-metre LNG carrier fitted with BAR Technologies’ WindWings® wind-assisted propulsion system.

The agreement was signed on September 15 at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok. The project will examine the technical feasibility and safety of integrating wind-assisted propulsion into LNG carriers as the shipping industry pursues lower-emission technologies.

The development will centre on an HHI-designed 174K LNG carrier featuring a forward accommodation arrangement. Moving the crew accommodation block towards the bow creates additional space on the upper deck, providing an area for the installation of WindWings®.

Wind-assisted propulsion for LNG carriers

WindWings® consists of large rigid wing sails installed on a vessel to harness wind and provide supplementary propulsion. By assisting the main propulsion system, the technology is designed to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and improve vessel energy efficiency.

Under the joint development project, HHI will lead the vessel’s basic design and design review. BAR Technologies will provide technical information on the WindWings® arrangement and specifications, structural strength, operational concepts and projected fuel savings.

KR and LISCR will assess the design’s safety and technical suitability against applicable classification rules and international requirements. Depending on the outcome, KR will also consider granting Approval in Principle (AiP), supporting the potential future application and commercialisation of wind-assisted propulsion technology on LNG carriers.

WindWings fleet experience

Hong-ryul Ryu, Senior Executive Vice President and CTO of HHI, said the company has continued to develop innovative hull forms and arrangement concepts for LNG carriers to advance environmentally friendly ship technologies, adding that through this project, HHI aims to integrate wind-assisted propulsion technology into its forward accommodation LNG carrier design, further enhancing the competitiveness of next-generation, low-emission LNG carriers.

John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, said the company already has WindWings® deployed across 10 bulkers and tankers, with 23 WindWings® collectively saving approximately 100 tonnes of CO2 per day, adding that BAR Technologies looks forward to extending the application to next-generation gas carriers, establishing a robust foundation for safe commercialization and providing shipowners with a genuinely attractive environmental solution.

Yongsok Lee, Chairman and CEO of KR, said that through this joint development project, KR will assess the safety and technical suitability of applying wind-assisted propulsion to this LNG carrier design against applicable rules and international requirements, with a view to granting Approval in Principle, adding that by working closely with the shipyard, technology provider and flag administration, KR will continue to support the safe and reliable adoption of innovative technologies that contribute to the maritime industry’s decarbonization.

Alfonso Castillero, CEO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry, said the joint development project reflects the Liberian Registry’s proactive approach to supporting the safe and responsible advancement of innovative maritime solutions, adding that by assessing wind-assisted propulsion for LNG carriers from an early design stage, the partners can help translate the decarbonization challenge into practical opportunities for improved efficiency, future-ready ship designs and competitive advantage, without compromising safety or quality.