Image Credits: Lloyd’s Register Lloyd’s Register (LR) has granted Design Appraisal for HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ (HHI) fore-accommodation LNG carrier design featuring the Wind Challenger wind-assisted propulsion system developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), confirming compliance with LR’s Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) notation requirements. The project was presented during Gastech 2026 in Bangkok. The Design Appraisal covers what the project partners describe as the world’s first fore-accommodation LNG carrier equipped with the Wind Challenger hard-sail system. It marks the latest milestone in a joint development project involving LR, HHI, MOL and the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator, following Approval in Principle (AiP) awarded by LR at Gastech 2025. A key feature of the concept is the relocation of the accommodation block and bridge to the bow of the vessel. This arrangement creates a clear mid-to-aft deck area that can accommodate MOL’s Wind Challenger hard-sail system while maintaining operational and navigational requirements. The configuration also allows greater flexibility in the number, size and placement of sails to maximise wind-assisted propulsion performance. Through the project, the partners assessed key technical areas associated with integrating WAPS onto an LNG carrier, including navigational visibility, hull stability, structural stress from hard sails, and integrated Emergency Shutdown (ESD) systems. A hazard identification (HAZID) study and risk assessments were conducted in accordance with LR’s Risk Based Certification process. The Design Appraisal confirms that the concept complies with LR’s WAPS notation requirements for the safe and effective application of wind-assisted propulsion systems. Andy McKeran, Chief Growth Officer, Lloyd’s Register, said: “As LNG carrier designs continue to evolve, the industry needs robust technical frameworks to assess new techn