Lloyd’s Register (LR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with K Shipbuilding, bound4blue and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR).
The agreement will focus on developing a 50,000 deadweight tonnage (dwt) MR tanker design incorporating wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS).
The agreement was signed on 4 June and will focus on optimising a next-generation MR tanker concept using bound4blue’s eSAIL® technology.
The system applies suction sail principles to harness wind energy, delivering additional thrust aimed at improving efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and supporting compliance with tightening emissions regulations.
Under the collaboration, the partners will conduct technical and regulatory assessments of the design, including alignment with current classification rules and International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements.
LR will provide technical assurance and design appraisal, as well as support the process towards Approval in Principle (AiP), working alongside LISCR on regulatory alignment.
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The initiative is intended to reduce uncertainty around the commercial deployment of wind-assisted propulsion in the tanker segment by validating performance, safety and compliance at an early stage.
It also aims to establish a structured pathway from design development through to potential commercial adoption.
Alberto Pérez, Head of Maritime Commercial Markets, Lloyd’s Register, said: “This agreement reflects LR’s continued focus on enabling maritime decarbonisation through practical, scalable solutions.”
Daniel Mann, Chief Commercial Officer, bound4blue, stated: “We’re pleased to work with K Shipbuilding, Lloyd’s Register and the Liberian Registry on this Joint Development Project.
“For shipyards, wind propulsion is becoming an important part of future-ready vessel design, especially in segments such as MR tankers. By bringing our experience and know-how to this Joint Development Project, we can help define how the eSAIL® system can be integrated into MR tanker newbuild designs in a safe, practical and commercially competitive way.”
For more information:
Lloyd’s Register – https://www.lr.org/en/
