18/09/2026 by Jay Hatton
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) of Japan has announced the naming of the first ever liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier to be equipped with rigid sails.
The Fujin Sailor, which was built in South Korea at the Hanwha Ocean shipyard, is also the first vessel to feature two rigid sails. LNG is vital for transporting gas to regions without access to sufficient pipeline gas, but transporting it adds to the associated emissions. Combining traditional propulsion with the power of wind will help reduce these emissions.
The vessel will operate for Chevron, which also produces the Texaco grease and coolant range, under a long-term charter following delivery.
A post on Chevron’s website said the new carrier visibly exemplified how the company was innovating in the natural gas sector, adding:
“The Fujin Sailor is a new LNG carrier that will join Chevron’s fleet under long-term charter and is equipped with two Wind Challenger hard sails. Developed through collaboration among Chevron, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Hanwha Ocean, it is the world’s first LNG carrier equipped with this wind-assisted propulsion system.”
At 295 metres long, the Fujin Sailor can carry up to 174,000 cubic metres of LNG. The shaft generators and hull are equipped with air lubrication to reduce the power requirement from the Everllence main engine from MAN Energy Solutions. The fibre-reinforced plastic sails provide additional power savings by harnessing the wind. Each rigid, telescopic sail is approximately 15 meters wide and features three panels that extend up to 49 metres above deck level.
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