OceanWings, a global leader in Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS), has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from ClassNK (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai) for its cutting-edge wind-assisted propulsion technology. The certification was awarded during Singapore Maritime Week, underscoring the growing importance of wind propulsion in the maritime industry’s decarbonization efforts.
With increasingly stringent environmental regulations and rapid digitalization, the maritime industry is accelerating the development and adoption of new technologies. However, innovative technologies and concept-based solutions must comply with international conventions and classification society regulations to ensure safety and feasibility. ClassNK’s AiP certification service plays a crucial role in verifying the technical viability of such designs at an early stage, benefiting not only the Japanese market but the global shipping industry as well.
Christophe Paillusseau, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at OceanWings, commented: "Receiving AiP certification from ClassNK is a significant milestone for OceanWings. This achievement strengthens our efforts to introduce wind-assisted propulsion solutions for deep-sea vessels, including bulk carriers, PCCs, and chemical tankers."
Hayato Suga, President & CEO at ClassNK, added: "It is a great honor for us to be able to issue an AiP for the design of WAPS developed by OceanWings. The pace of social change is accelerating, necessitating an increased effort to move forward with frontrunners to tackle these challenges. ClassNK will continue ensuring these technologies meet standards, supporting the maritime industry’s uptake of cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.”
Advancing Wind Propulsion Technology in Japan and Beyond
ClassNK’s AiP certification provides a critical foundation for verifying the safety and feasibility of new technologies and innovative maritime solutions. By fostering technological advancements and enhanced safety, AiP plays a key role in the maritime sector’s sustainable future. With this certification in hand, OceanWings is now focused on expanding its presence in Japan, seeking strategic investments and industry partnerships to further promote wind propulsion technology.
