Fuel-saving devices and wind-assisted propulsion systems tested on actual vessels

Results and performance verification to be presented in Busan on Wednesday

Findings aimed at helping smaller shipping firms decide whether to adopt the technology

HMM's 50,000-ton medium-range oil tanker Oriental Aquamarine, fitted with a wind-assisted propulsion system [Korea Ocean Business Corporation]
HMM's 50,000-ton medium-range oil tanker Oriental Aquamarine, fitted with a wind-assisted propulsion system [Korea Ocean Business Corporation]

Real-world performance data on green shipping technologies that harness wind power to assist vessel propulsion and cut fuel consumption are set to be made public, giving smaller shipping companies a concrete basis for deciding whether to adopt the equipment.

The Korea Ocean Business Corporation announced Monday that it will hold a seminar Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Korea Maritime Cooperation Center in Jung-gu, Busan, to share the results of maritime demonstration projects involving energy-saving devices and wind-assisted propulsion systems.

The seminar goes beyond a simple introduction of green shipping technologies: it will present performance data and verification results gathered from actual vessels operating with the equipment installed. Participants will include representatives from shipping companies, shipyards and the marine equipment industry.

Energy-saving devices reduce fuel consumption during vessel operations, while wind-assisted propulsion systems use wind power to supplement a ship's propulsion.

Smaller shipping firms have faced particular difficulty verifying the actual fuel-saving effects and economic viability of new equipment before committing to adoption, and many lack the resources to conduct their own demonstration projects. The corporation plans to share data gathered from real-world operations so that shipping companies can make informed assessments of the equipment's performance and applicability.

The seminar will cover energy-saving device demonstration case studies, wind-assisted propulsion system demonstration results, the current state of wind-assisted propulsion technology, performance estimation guidelines and third-party verification results for energy-saving devices.

Presenters will include Seo Dae-sik, a senior manager at HMM; Kim Eon-sik, executive vice president of MOL Korea; Kim Sang-yeop of Korean Register (KR); Seong Gyeong-hyeon, a director at SB Sunbo; and Kim Tae-seon, chief executive of NAMU EnR.

Going forward, the corporation plans to share technical information gathered during the demonstration process with the industry and incorporate field-level technical challenges and demands into new demonstration projects and policy support initiatives.

"For green shipping technologies to be applied in real-world settings, sharing verified demonstration data is just as important as developing the technology itself," said An Byeong-gil, president of the corporation. "We hope this seminar will serve as an opportunity for the shipping industry to examine the performance and applicability of eco-friendly equipment together and discuss practical paths to adoption."


adastra@heraldcorp.com