Lloyd's Register Signs MoU to Promote Wind-Assisted MR Tanker Design

Lloyd's Register (LR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with K Shipbuilding, bound4blue, and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR) to jointly develop a 50,000 DWT MR tanker incorporating Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS).

The project will develop and optimize the design of an MR tanker with WAPS. The concept will incorporate bound4blue's eSAIL technology, which uses suction sail principles to harness wind power and generate direct thrust, contributing to improved efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and facilitating compliance with increasingly stringent emission regulations.

Alberto Pérez, Commercial Marine Markets Director at Lloyd's Register, stated that "this agreement reflects LR's ongoing commitment to decarbonizing the maritime sector through practical and scalable solutions. By supporting the development of state-of-the-art tanker designs, we help shipowners and operators navigate the transition to low-carbon operations while maintaining commercial viability."

Tae-Hyun Koh, CTO of K Shipbuilding, declared that "as the demand for sustainable shipping solutions continues to grow, this MoU will further strengthen our capabilities in green vessel technology development and enhance our competitiveness in the global MR tanker market."

Under the agreement, the partners will conduct a technical and regulatory assessment of the design, including analysis in accordance with the latest classification rules and IMO requirements. LR will provide technical assurance, design evaluation, and support for the preliminary approval (AiP) process, collaborating closely with LISCR on regulatory harmonization.

This collaboration seeks to reduce uncertainty surrounding the adoption of WAPS in the tanker market by validating its performance, safety, and regulatory compliance at an early stage. By bringing together specialized knowledge in design, technology, classification, and flag state, the project establishes a structured roadmap for its future commercial implementation.