Capital Ship Management, K Shipbuilding and Lloyd’s Register (LR) have launched a joint development project (JDP) to design a 50,000 dwt Medium Range (MR) tanker equipped with wind-assisted propulsion. The project will assess whether Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) can deliver commercially viable fuel savings and emissions reductions for standard product tanker operations. While wind-assisted propulsion has gained momentum in the bulk carrier and specialist vessel segments, its application in the MR tanker market remains limited. The partners aim to develop a tanker design that integrates WAPS without compromising cargo capacity, operational flexibility or commercial performance. The collaboration brings together Capital Ship Management’s operational experience, K Shipbuilding’s tanker design and construction expertise, and Lloyd’s Register’s technical and regulatory capabilities. The project will include technical studies, design optimisation and regulatory assessments. The findings will support future Approval in Principle (AiP) activities and help establish a pathway towards commercial deployment. Theo Kourmpelis, Global Business Director for Tankers at Lloyd’s Register, said wider adoption of wind-assisted propulsion will depend on demonstrating clear commercial benefits for mainstream shipping sectors. Nikolas Vaporis, Chief Technical Officer of Capital Ship Management, said the company’s six MR tankers delivered in 2023 were built with Wind-Assisted Ready notation, reflecting its long-term strategy to adopt the technology. “Our priority now is to move from ‘ready’ to ‘proven’: a design that delivers real efficiency and emissions benefits while preserving the operational and cargo flexibility our charterers depend on,” Vaporis said. Tae-Hyun Koh, Chief Technology Officer at K Shipbuilding, said the project will strengthen the company’s capabilities in developing next-gen