HD Hyundai Launches Hi-WING, Korea’s First Wing Sail For Ships

HD Hyundai has developed Korea’s first wing sail, a large wind-powered device designed to help ships move more efficiently and reduce harmful emissions. The company successfully tested its prototype on land on June 16 in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do.

This wing sail, named “Hi-WING,” was developed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), an intermediate holding company under HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding division. The company announced the successful land demonstration on June 17.

According to HD KSOE, the demonstration confirmed the sail’s performance and safety. In the second half of 2025, the wing sail will be installed on an MR-class tanker currently operated by HMM to test how it performs at sea.

The wing sail uses the lift force generated by wind, similar to how an airplane wing works, to assist in moving the ship forward. These systems are gaining global attention as wind-assisted propulsion can lower greenhouse gas emissions from ships.

This innovation comes at a time when the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union (EU) are making environmental rules for the shipping industry stricter. These rules aim to lower greenhouse gas emissions based on how much pollution is produced during transport or operations.

Wing sails are now seen as a useful way to help meet these goals.

The Hi-WING prototype stands 30 meters tall and spans 10 meters wide. It also features auxiliary wings on both sides of the main wing to increase thrust. For better safety during rough weather, the wing has a special “tilting” feature that allows it to fold down when needed.

This project is part of a government-supported initiative called “Development of Integrated Management Technology for Ship Emission Greenhouse Gas (GHG),” led by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. The goal is to reduce marine carbon emissions and advance smart, eco-friendly ship technology.

Several partners helped make this project possible. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Institute of Marine Science and Technology Promotion (KIMST) provided policy support.

HMM, Korean Register (KR), and HD Hyundai Marine Solutions offered technical help and research. Local equipment makers like Oriental Precision and Human Composites also took part as part of Busan City’s “Innovation Special Zone Support Project.”

References: seoulwire, apnews

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