ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a liquefied CO₂ carrier equipped with the Wind Challenger hard sail wind propulsion system, jointly developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Samsung Heavy Industries. The certificate was presented at a handover ceremony held at Sea Japan 2026.

The AiP confirms the feasibility of the vessel’s conceptual design against applicable rules and safety requirements. ClassNK carried out its review against its Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships and its Guidelines for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for Ships (Edition 2.2).

The vessel presents a notably complex design challenge, combining three distinct technical elements – a forward accommodation arrangement, liquefied CO₂ cargo systems and multiple Wind Challenger units – each of which carries its own risk profile. ClassNK participated in a HAZID risk assessment before issuing the AiP.

This article appeared in Insights, TNA May/June 2026