Korean Register marks arrival of innovative low-carbon sailing cargo ship

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Korean Register (KR) has announced the successful delivery of the groundbreaking low-carbon sailing cargo ship SV Juren Ae to the Marshall Islands Shipping Corporation (MISC). Built under KR class in South Korea, this innovative vessel marks a significant milestone in sustainable maritime transport.

Funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI), the SV Juren Ae, a 48-metre-long, 300 dwt supply vessel, is the result of a collaborative effort led by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) through their project 'Transition to Low-Carbon Sea Transport in the Republic of the Marshall Islands' for the German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) since 2017.

Key partners of the project include KR, the University of Applied Sciences Emden-Leer in Germany, MISC, Asia Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., and naval design company Kostec Co Ltd in Busan, among others.

Innovative features

Developed at the maritime campus of Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences and constructed at Asia Shipbuilding in Geoje City, Korea, the vessel boasts several innovative features. At its core is a partially-automated sail system designed by German naval designer HSVA, adapted from a traditional Indonesian sail design. This "Indosail-Sailing Rig," complemented by installed PV units and a hybrid drive system, is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 80% compared to similar-sized ships.

The vessel's hybrid power system allows for versatile operation. The ship's propeller and engine are used for slow-speed maneuvering, while the propeller can also function as a turbine to generate electricity via a hybrid gearbox and generator. This innovative design enables the SV Juren Ae to achieve a service speed of approximately 12 knots under sail and around 7 knots with the auxiliary diesel engine.

Further enhancing its eco-friendly credentials, the ship features a battery rack charged by excess wind power, which powers the vessel's electric drive during low-speed operations.

Michael Suhr, Regional Director North Europe at KR, commented: "The SV Juren Ae represents a pivotal moment in maritime innovation. This pioneering ship serves as a beacon for a low-carbon future in maritime transport, showcasing the viability and efficiency of sustainable technologies in the maritime industry."

Compelling business

The SV Juren Ae will be operated by MISC for domestic sea transportation within the Marshall Islands and the broader Pacific Region. This project not only offers a compelling business case for sail-driven cargo vessels, particularly in regions with high fuel prices like the Pacific islands, but also aims to inspire other Pacific Island states to adopt low-carbon technologies and concepts for maritime transport.

As the classification society for this groundbreaking vessel, KR is proud to contribute to the advancement of sustainable shipping and looks forward to supporting similar innovative projects in the future.