China unfurls certified rotor sail

The certification means the design is now eligible for installation on DNV-classed commercial ships, a milestone that industry observers say could accelerate China’s push into wind-assist technology.

“Receiving the DNV TADC is a landmark for China’s green-shipping industry,” said Dr Huang Guofu, CMES-Tech’s general manager.

“It validates our design’s structural integrity and operational practicality and it strengthens our commitment to delivering economic and environmental value to shipowners worldwide.”

The 5m by 35m composite cylinder can tilt and retract to avoid clashing with cranes, hatch covers or port infrastructure. CMES-Tech engineers say the built-in sensors and automatic controls allow the rotor to adjust power output on the fly as wind conditions shift. One project engineer described it as ‘a rotor with a mind of its own — in a good way’.

DNV’s review covered the system’s mechanical, electrical and structural design, including its suitability for real-world sea states. It also followed a gruelling 120% overload test, which the prototype passed.

Chen Keng, DNV’s vice president and area manager for China South, said the approval comes at a moment when shipowners are desperate for credible fuel-saving tools. “WAPS technologies offer immediate, tangible benefits,” he said. “Adding another certified option builds confidence in their readiness for real use.”

With certification in hand, CMES-Tech will now move toward installation planning and sea trials, hoping to translate design approval into operational proof and eventually, commercial uptake.