DNV awards AiP to Windship Technologys triple-wing aerofoil design

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Windship Technology has been awarded Approval in Principle for its triple-wing aerofoil design. (credit: Windship Technology)

Simon Rogers of Windship Technology. (credit: Windship Technology)

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The AiP represents the completion of the initial design phase related to the triple wing rig’s structure and controls.

Windship Technology claims that the the rigs produce the highest power density of any current wind-powered solution. With three rigs set, they can produce all the power required to sail an 80,000 dwt ship on the main long transoceanic routes.

The triple-wing rigs feature trailing edge flaps that allow for optimisation of the motive force produced for a variety of incident wind angles. The wings deployed on vessels are located on a steel cruciform base which provides the intersection with the ship and also house the lifting and lowering mechanism – especially important for port access and bridge height clearance. The rigs can be lowered either fore and aft or over the ship’s side as required for loading and unloading operations. Whilst underway, the rigs are automatically controlled, rotating to gain the greatest motive advantage from the available wind power.

Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer, DNV Maritime, commenting on the award, said: “As shipping’s carbon trajectories head towards zero and the EEXI and CII are set to tighten requirements – the maritime industry needs new options to reduce emissions. At DNV we want to support our customers by making sure that when they are looking to make efficiency gains, they have well proven and well tested options. This is why we are so pleased to be working with Windship Technology, to help them build confidence in their Wind Rig system through the application of expertly verified models and data, based on our long-standing and globally accepted rules.”

Graham Harvey, Chief Executive of Windship Technology welcomed the news, and added that “we are now in a position to capitalise on the multiple discussions that we have been having with owners and charterers who are all looking for long-term solutions.”

The triple-wing rig forms part of a wider Zero Emission shipping concept. The wider concept, which was covered in a feature in The Motorship in April, incorporates a diesel electric drive featuring a full carbon capture system that dramatically reduces fossil fuel consumption whilst eliminating NO_x, SO_x and particulate matter and zero CO₂.