MOL to Deliver First LNG Carrier Equipped with Two Wind Challenger Sails to Chevron

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is set to deliver the world’s first LNG carrier equipped with a wind-assisted propulsion system later this month under a long-term charter agreement with Chevron Corporation.

MOL held a naming ceremony for the vessel on September 10, 2026, at Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje Shipyard in South Korea. The LNG carrier, named FUJIN SAILOR, is fitted with two units of MOL’s Wind Challenger hard-sail system.

The vessel is scheduled for delivery to Chevron at the end of September 2026. The wind-assisted propulsion system is designed to reduce fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional propulsion alone.

FUJIN SAILOR Named at Hanwha Ocean Shipyard

Molly T. Laegeler, President of Chevron’s Supply & Trading business, served as the vessel’s Godmother and formally named the ship FUJIN SAILOR.

The vessel is the first LNG carrier in the world to be equipped with a wind-assisted propulsion system and the first vessel of any type to feature two Wind Challenger units, according to MOL.

FUJIN SAILOR is the fourth vessel in the MOL Group fleet to be equipped with Wind Challenger technology. The company plans to expand the technology across additional vessels as part of its efforts to improve energy efficiency.

Molly T. Laegeler said reliable energy supply depends on trusted partnerships and continuous innovation, adding that Chevron is proud to celebrate this milestone with its partners at MOL and Hanwha Ocean. She said FUJIN SAILOR represents the combined efforts of many and demonstrates how practical innovation can help reduce the carbon intensity of LNG transportation while supporting the safe and reliable delivery of energy around the world.

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Added to LNG Carrier

The Wind Challenger system uses a rigid sail to harness wind energy and provide additional propulsion to the vessel.

By reducing the amount of propulsion power required from the main engine under suitable wind conditions, the system is expected to lower fuel consumption and associated emissions.

The installation on FUJIN SAILOR combines the two Wind Challenger units with several other energy-efficiency technologies, including an Air Lubrication System and a Shaft Generator.

Makoto Inomoto, Managing Executive Officer responsible for LNG and Ethane Business at MOL, expressed sincere gratitude to Hanwha Ocean for its strong technical support in realizing the installation of the Wind Challenger, as well as to Chevron for its understanding and cooperation in making the project possible. He said FUJIN SAILOR plays a vital role in ensuring a stable energy supply while advancing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of LNG shipping, and represents a new milestone in innovation for LNG carriers.

MOL Targets 25 Wind-Assisted Vessels by 2030

MOL has incorporated energy-saving technologies into its strategy to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 under its “MOL Group Environmental Vision -BLUE ACTION 2035 Phase 2-“.

The company plans to expand the use of Wind Challenger technology across its fleet, targeting 25 vessels equipped with the system by 2030 and 80 vessels by 2035.

The deployment of wind-assisted propulsion is part of MOL’s broader approach to reducing fuel consumption and emissions from its vessels while continuing to operate conventional and alternative-fuel propulsion systems.

FUJIN SAILOR Specifications

FUJIN SAILOR measures 294.9 metres in length and has a breadth of 46.4 metres. The vessel has a cargo capacity of 174,000 cubic metres through its membrane-type LNG tanks.

Its propulsion system includes an ME-GA low-pressure LNG dual-fuel main engine, while the vessel also features two Wind Challenger units, an Air Lubrication System and a Shaft Generator.

Hanwha Ocean built the vessel at its Geoje shipyard in South Korea. It will be managed by MOL Global Ship Management Pte. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of MOL.

First LNG Carrier to Combine Two Wind Challenger Units

The delivery of FUJIN SAILOR marks the application of wind-assisted propulsion to an LNG carrier at a scale not previously deployed, with two Wind Challenger units installed on a single vessel.

The project brings together LNG dual-fuel propulsion and wind-assisted technology, alongside other energy-efficiency systems, as the shipping industry continues to examine technologies that can reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from existing vessel types.