K Shipbuilding and bound4blue’s WAPS Applied LR1 Tanker Verified by Bureau Veritas in International Shipping News 04/06/2026 K Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., bound4blue, and Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) have entered into a Joint Development Project (JDP) for the development of a next-generation LR1 tanker incorporating Wind Assisted Propulsion System (WAPS) technology, marking a significant step forward in sustainable maritime innovation. The collaboration focuses on the design and optimization of a 74,000 DWT class LR1 tanker equipped with advanced wind-assisted propulsion technology. The project aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure compliance with increasingly stringent international environmental regulations. In response to growing regulatory pressures and rising fuel costs, the maritime industry continues to seek innovative solutions to improve both operational efficiency and environmental performance. This Joint Development Project combines the complementary expertise of the three partners to deliver a practical, efficient, and commercially competitive vessel design aligned with future market demands. Under the Joint Development Project: K Shipbuilding leads the vessel design development, including general arrangement, stability assessments, and integration of WAPS foundations and related systems. bound4blue provides technical expertise in wind propulsion technology, including system integration requirements and key performance deliverables. Bureau Veritas conducts design review and verification activities to help ensure compliance with applicable classification rules and international regulations, with an Approval in Principle (AiP) to be issued upon the project’s satisfactory completion. The project also encompasses a comprehensive technical evaluation covering critical aspects such as vessel stability, structural integrity, system integration, and operational safety. Through this collaborative effort, the partn