A significant collaboration aimed at advancing sustainable shipping has been announced, with industry leaders signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a pioneering 50,000 dwt MR tanker design featuring advanced wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS). This initiative brings together Lloyd’s Register (LR), K Shipbuilding, bound4blue, and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR).

The agreement, formalized on June 4th at Posidonia in Athens, focuses on integrating bound4blue’s innovative eSAIL technology. This system leverages suction sail principles to harness wind energy, providing additional thrust to vessels. The primary goal is to significantly enhance vessel efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and help the maritime sector meet increasingly stringent international emissions regulations. Partners will also optimize the MR tanker design specifically to maximize the benefits of this cutting-edge propulsion approach.

Alberto Pérez, Head of Maritime Commercial Markets at Lloyd’s Register, underscored the importance of this partnership. “This agreement reflects LR’s continued focus on enabling maritime decarbonization through practical, scalable solutions. By supporting the development of next-generation tanker designs, we are helping shipowners and operators navigate the transition to lower-carbon operations while maintaining commercial viability.”

A crucial aspect of this collaboration involves robust technical and regulatory validation. Lloyd’s Register will spearhead the design appraisal, technical assurance, and guide the project towards achieving Approval in Principle (AiP). Concurrently, LR will work closely with LISCR to ensure full alignment with flag state and International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements, assessing the design against current class rules and international regulatory standards.

Tae-Hyun Koh, Chief Technology Officer at K Shipbuilding, highlighted the strategic value of the MoU. “As demand for sustainable shipping solutions continues to grow, this MoU will further strengthen our capabilities in eco-friendly ship technology development and enhance our competitiveness in the global MR tanker market.”

The overarching objective of this initiative is to mitigate uncertainties associated with deploying wind-assisted propulsion in the tanker sector. By rigorously proving performance, safety, and compliance early in the design phase, the project aims to pave a clear path for broader adoption. Daniel Mann, Chief Commercial Officer at bound4blue, emphasized its impact: “It is a meaningful step in supporting the decarbonization of MR tankers, while strengthening the role of practical, commercially viable technologies in the future of shipping.”

This structured pathway is envisioned by the partners as a catalyst for the future commercial adoption of lower-carbon tanker designs, balancing environmental responsibility with economic viability. Thomas Klenum, Executive Vice President of the Liberian Registry, affirmed this vision: “This project marks an important step in advancing practical decarbonization for the tanker segment. Integrating wind-assisted propulsion on MR tankers can reduce emissions while strengthening the sustainability and competitiveness of global shipping, and thereby we are helping to unlock immediate fuel savings and emissions reductions while strengthening long-term regulatory compliance.”

With over 100 large cargo vessels already equipped to harness wind energy, according to the International Windship Association (IWSA), this new MoU represents a significant stride towards a greener, more efficient future for the global MR tanker fleet.

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