MOL plans to launch the construction of Wind Hunter, a hydrogen-producing vessel outfitted with multiple rigid sails, in 2024.
The project will use MOL’s rigid, collapsible sail technology developed under the Wind Challenger project on vessels capable of capturing that power during high wind periods to generate hydrogen for use during lower wind sections of the voyage.
The zero-emission seagoing cargo ship will not have to refuel as it would use wind assisted-propulsion when there are strong winds in combination with hydrogen produced onboard to sail.
Furthermore, underwater turbines in the water would generate electricity that would be used to electrolyze pure water made from seawater and generate hydrogen. Then the hydrogen would be stored in a tank in the form of liquid methylcyclohexane (MCH).
At times when the wind is weak, the ship would use the stored hydrogen to power a fuel cell delivering electricity, which in turn would power electric propellers that drive the ship forward.
What is more, the ship is planned to sail autonomously, without crew onboard, as the latest digital technology will enabled it to be monitored and operated remotely.
In addition, a route navigation technology will enable the ship to find the best wind conditions and optimise its course.
By 2030, we expect to construct a large zero-emissions hydrogen-producing cargo ship. There are still many challenges to be solved but taking on challenges is what we do at Mitsui OSK Lines, and this is a journey that will chart a direct route to the future
MOL said.
