Oriental Aquamarine, operated by HMM, has officially commenced operations as the first Medium Range (MR) tanker in South Korea to be fitted with a Wind-Assisted Propulsion System (WAPS), known as the “Wing Sail.”
The Wing Sail is an eco-friendly propulsion support technology that harnesses wind energy to assist vessel movement. Designed with a wing-shaped structure similar to an aircraft wing, the system generates lift from wind flow, thereby reducing the engine load and overall fuel consumption.
Depending on operating and weather conditions, the WAPS technology is expected to deliver fuel savings of approximately 5–20%, contributing to a significant reduction in carbon emissions. This aligns with the maritime industry’s efforts to comply with increasingly stringent global environmental and decarbonisation regulations.
HMM stated that it will closely monitor and evaluate the performance of the Wing Sail over the next two years using actual operational data. Based on the results, the company will consider expanding the adoption of the technology across its bulk carrier fleet.
The deployment marks a notable step forward in HMM’s strategy to enhance energy efficiency and promote sustainable shipping practices.