ClassNK grants AiP for latest wind power initiative

Japan’s ClassNK has issued Approval in Principle (AiP) to K Line and Airseas SAS for their automated wind power system, Seawing. The AiP has been granted in accordance with the classification society’s Guidelines for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for Ships”.

The Seawing system uses a kite to provide additional thrust by harnessing wind power in dynamic flight, the two developing companies said. It is launched and recovered by flicking a switch and unfolds, operates and refolds autonomously. The system also gathers and analyses meteorological and oceanic data in real time, adapting its flight pattern to optimise performance and ensure continuing safety.

The classification society released its wind-assisted propulsion guidelines in September 2019. The move was in response to a growing number of initiatives targeting wind power as an additional source of carbon-free energy for commercial shipping.