Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has installed two Wind Challenger telescoping hard sails on a liquefied natural gas carrier under construction at Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje shipyard in South Korea.

The Japanese shipowner said the newbuilding is scheduled for delivery in the second half of fiscal 2026, according to an announcement on 29 April.

MOL described the installation as the world’s first dual Wind Challenger arrangement fitted to this type of ship. The rigid sail technology is intended to capture wind power and reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

MOL noted that the project represents a further step in its efforts to adopt renewable energy solutions in maritime operations.

The ship will join MOL’s fleet once handed over next year.

In another recent Wind Challenger milestone, MOL completed the world’s first retrofit installation of the sail system on an operating coal carrier, extending the technology’s use beyond newbuild projects.

MOL is one of Japan’s largest shipping companies, operating across segments including gas carriers, bulkers and container shipping.