Lloyd’s Register has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with K Shipbuilding, bound4blue and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry to jointly develop a 50,000 dwt MR tanker incorporating wind-assisted propulsion systems.

The agreement was signed on 4 June during Posidonia in Athens.

The project will develop and optimise an MR tanker design with WAPS. The concept will incorporate bound4blue’s eSAIL® technology, which uses suction sail principles to harness wind energy and deliver direct thrust, helping improve efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and support compliance with tightening emissions regulations.

Under the agreement, the partners will carry out technical and regulatory evaluation of the design, including assessments against the latest class rules and IMO requirements. LR will provide technical assurance, design appraisal and support the process towards Approval in Principle (AiP), while working closely with LISCR on regulatory alignment.

The collaboration is intended to reduce uncertainty around the adoption of WAPS in the tanker market by validating performance, safety and regulatory compliance at an early stage. By bringing together expertise across design, technology, classification and flag, the project establishes a structured pathway for future commercial deployment.

Alberto Pérez, Head of Maritime Commercial Markets, Lloyd’s Register: “This agreement reflects LR’s continued focus on enabling maritime decarbonisation through practical, scalable solutions. By supporting the development of next-generation tanker designs, we are helping shipowners and operators navigate the transition to lower-carbon operations while maintaining commercial viability.”

Tae-Hyun Koh, Chief Technology Officer, K Shipbuilding, said: “As demand for sustainable shipping solutions continues to grow, this MoU will further strengthen our capabilities in eco-friendly ship technology development and enhance our competitiveness in the global MR tanker market.”

Daniel Mann, Chief Commercial Officer, bound4blue, said: “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. It is a meaningful step in supporting the decarbonisation of MR tankers, while strengthening the role of practical, commercially viable technologies in the future of shipping.”

Thomas Klenum, Executive Vice President, Liberian Registry, said: “This project marks an important step in advancing practical decarbonisation for the tanker segment. Integrating wind-assisted propulsion on MR tankers can reduce emissions while strengthening the sustainability and competitiveness of global shipping, and thereby we are helping to unlock immediate fuel savings and emissions reductions while strengthening long-term regulatory compliance.”