ClassNK approves hard sail system design

The design, part of the Wind Challenger Project spearheaded by Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) and Oshima Shipbuilding, has been approved in accordance with Class NK’s ‘Guidelines for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for Ships’.

Along with other participating organisations, MOL and Oshima Shipbuilding have played a central role in research and development on the Wind Challenger Project, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using wind energy.

ClassNK released its ‘Guidelines for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for Ships’ in September 2019 in order to contribute to the safe integrity and design of this technology and the ships that are installed with it.

ClassNK has reviewed the basic design of the hard sail system in line with relevant international conventions, the above-mentioned guidelines and other ClassNK regulations. Following successful completion, ClassNK granted an AIP for the basic design of the hard sail system, which marks the world’s first AIP based on the guidelines.

ClassNK will continue to support the smooth implementation of new technologies through its role as a third-party certification body.