K Shipbuilding and bound4blue’s WAPS Applied LR1 Tanker Verified by Bureau Veritas

K Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., bound4blue, and Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) have entered into a Joint Development Project (JDP) for the development of a next-generation LR1 tanker incorporating Wind Assisted Propulsion System (WAPS) technology, marking a significant step forward in sustainable maritime innovation.

The collaboration focuses on the design and optimization of a 74,000 DWT class LR1 tanker equipped with advanced wind-assisted propulsion technology. The project aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure compliance with increasingly stringent international environmental regulations.

In response to growing regulatory pressures and rising fuel costs, the maritime industry continues to seek innovative solutions to improve both operational efficiency and environmental performance. This Joint Development Project combines the complementary expertise of the three partners to deliver a practical, efficient, and commercially competitive vessel design aligned with future market demands.

Under the Joint Development Project:

K Shipbuilding leads the vessel design development, including general arrangement, stability assessments, and integration of WAPS foundations and related systems.

bound4blue provides technical expertise in wind propulsion technology, including system integration requirements and key performance deliverables.

Bureau Veritas conducts design review and verification activities to help ensure compliance with applicable classification rules and international regulations, with an Approval in Principle (AiP) to be issued upon the project’s satisfactory completion.

The project also encompasses a comprehensive technical evaluation covering critical aspects such as vessel stability, structural integrity, system integration, and operational safety. Through this collaborative effort, the partners aim to validate the technical feasibility and performance of the WAPS-equipped LR1 tanker while reinforcing its commercial attractiveness.

This Joint Development Project represents a meaningful advancement in the adoption of wind-assisted propulsion technologies within the tanker segment. It contributes to the maritime industry’s decarbonization efforts and supports the global transition toward more sustainable shipping solutions.

Tae-Hyun Koh, Chief Technology Officer, K Shipbuilding: “As demand for sustainable shipping solutions continues to grow, this JDP will further strengthen our capabilities in eco-friendly ship technology development and enhance our competitiveness in the global LR1 tanker market.”

Daniel Mann, Chief Commercial Officer of bound4blue, said: “Tankers are one of the segments where wind propulsion can make a very practical difference, but every project needs to start with the right technical foundation. This JDP is an important step because it brings vessel design, class review, and our experience with eSAIL® integration together from the beginning. We are delighted to work with K Shipbuilding and Bureau Veritas to assess the full picture: stability, structure, safety, integration, and performance, while helping show how wind can deliver direct thrust for future-ready tanker designs.”