HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korean Register, BAR Technologies, and the Liberian Registry have agreed to study wind-assisted propulsion for a 174,000-cubic-meter liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier. According to Korean Register, the partners signed a memorandum of understanding on September 15 at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok.

The proposed vessel places crew accommodation toward the bow, creating additional upper-deck space for BAR Technologies’ WindWings system. The rigid sails use wind to supplement engine power, with the aim of reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will lead the vessel’s basic design and design review. BAR Technologies will provide information on sail arrangements, structural requirements, operation, and projected fuel savings. Korean Register and the Liberian Registry will assess compliance with classification rules and international regulations.

The project remains at the assessment stage, with technical feasibility and safety still under review. Korean Register said it would consider granting Approval in Principle based on the study’s findings. Fuel savings and emissions reductions for the proposed LNG carrier have yet to be established.