Bureau Veritas issues new wind propulsion notations
Wind-assisted propulsion systems such as the Oceanwing by French company AYRO are gaining momentum (Source: AYRO)
Bureau Veritas (BV) has issued two new notations setting out classification requirements for wind propulsion systems (WPS) on new ship designs. The notations, which cover both standing and running rigging, provide load cases and coefficients for the different wind technologies under development today, including free-standing rigs, wing sails, kite sails, and wind turbines. BV’s new rules include a review of safety and system integration at the ship design stage, as well as subsequent in-service maintenance and survey regimes.
They set out requirements for:
• Risk analysis and HAZID studies;
• Definition of load cases and critical situations;
• Definition of automation and release systems;
• Definition of wind propulsion system impacts on ship safety;
• Ship strength: influence on hull girder strength, addressing bending moments and shear forces;
• Local strength in way of connections between wind propulsion system and ship, including mast footings, boom, deck, standing rigging attachments and manoeuvring systems.
The classification society’s senior vice president Technical & Operations, Laurent Leblanc, commented: “We know that the power of the wind, even if it not always available, can make a significant contribution to GHG-free ship propulsion. This is an incredibly exciting time for the industry as we revive an ancient, powerful, and endlessly renewable source of energy – but with all the benefits of modern technology and materials. Bureau Veritas is currently involved in a wide range of wind propulsion projects and all stakeholders are increasing their understanding as we make progress.”
