Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) held a naming ceremony on 1 September at Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje Shipyard in South Korea for an LNG carrier said to be the world’s first of its type fitted with a wind-assisted propulsion system — and the first vessel of any type equipped with two Wind Challenger hard sail units.

The vessel, named Fujin Sailor, is scheduled for delivery to Chevron Corporation under a long-term charter contract at the end of September 2026, with the Wind Challenger system expected to reduce fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared with conventional propulsion alone.

The vessel was formally named by Ms Molly T. Laegeler, President of Chevron’s Supply & Trading business, who served as the vessel’s Godmother at the ceremony. The event was attended by guests and stakeholders from the three partner organisations: MOL, Chevron and Hanwha Ocean.

Fujin Sailor is the fourth of eleven MOL Group vessels that have been or will be equipped with the Wind Challenger. In addition to the two Wind Challenger units, the vessel’s environmental mitigation devices include an air lubrication system and a shaft generator. The vessel measures 294.9 metres in length overall with a breadth of 46.4 metres, features a 174,000-cbm membrane-type tank and is fitted with a ME-GA main engine. Ship management will be handled by MOL Global Ship Management Pte. Ltd., a wholly owned MOL subsidiary.

Laegeler said: “Reliable energy supply depends on trusted partnerships and continuous innovation. We are proud to celebrate this milestone with our partners at MOL and Hanwha Ocean. Fujin Sailor represents the combined efforts of many and demonstrates how practical innovation can help reduce the carbon intensity of LNG transportation while supporting the safe and reliable delivery of energy around the world.”

Makoto Inomoto, Managing Executive Officer responsible for LNG and Ethane Business at MOL, remarked: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Hanwha Ocean for its strong technical support in realising the groundbreaking innovation of installing the Wind Challenger on the vessel, as well as to Chevron for their understanding and cooperation in making this project possible. Fujin Sailor plays a vital role in ensuring a stable energy supply while advancing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of LNG shipping.”

MOL, which describes itself as the world’s largest owner of LNG carriers, has set a target of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 under its 'MOL Group Environmental Vision — BLUE ACTION 2035 Phase 2' framework. The group says it plans to launch 25 vessels equipped with the Wind Challenger by 2030, rising to 80 vessels by 2035.