Classification society DNV GL has issued an Approval In Principle (AIP) to MOL and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for their new Bow Wind-Shield designed for Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).

The companies say the newly developed shield will reduce wind resistance on a ship’s hull and superstructure while the vessel is running, helping to reduce its CO₂ emissions by up to 4%.

MOL installed a similar concept onto an existing mid-size containership in 2015 – eventually reporting CO₂ reductions of 2% in real-running condition in 2017.

At the same time, SHI was also developing its own bow wind-shield technology for its fleet of ULCVs.

Now, though, the two companies have joined forces to develop their new Bow Wind-Shield design.

MOL says the Bow Wind-Shield initiative is part of its ‘ISHIN NEXT – MOL SMART SHIP PROJECT’, which it is developing to "introduce new technologies that will help to reduce the environmental impact of its vessels and ensure safer operation and more reliable transport services".