KR announces arrival of low-carbon sailing cargo ship

Built under KR class in South Korea, the 48-meter, 300 dwt supply vessel is the culmination of a collaborative project funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and led by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). The project aimed to transition to low-carbon sea transport in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Key to the vessel’s innovative design is a partially-automated sail system, inspired by traditional Indonesian sails, and complemented by solar panels and a hybrid drive system. This configuration is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 80% compared to similar-sized ships.

The SV Juren Ae’s hybrid power system offers versatility. The propeller and engine handle low-speed maneuvering, while the propeller can also generate electricity as a turbine. This enables the vessel to achieve a service speed of approximately 12 knots under sail and 7 knots with the diesel engine.

Further enhancing its eco-friendliness, the ship features a battery rack charged by excess wind power to support electric propulsion during low-speed operations.

Michael Suhr, regional director North Europe at KR, emphasised the vessel’s importance: “The SV Juren Ae is a beacon for a low-carbon future in maritime transport. It demonstrates the viability and efficiency of sustainable technologies in the industry.”

The vessel will be operated by MISC for domestic and regional transportation within the Pacific. This project not only showcases the commercial potential of sail-driven cargo vessels, particularly in regions with high fuel costs, but also inspires other Pacific Island states to adopt low-carbon solutions.