Classification society DNV on Tuesday (24 September) has awarded Hanwha Ocean Type Approval Design Certification (TADC) for its innovative rotor sail technology, the first certification of a rotor sail approved for installation in hazardous zones in South Korea. 

The TADC, issued by DNV, confirms that Hanwha Ocean's Rotor Sail, designed with composite materials, is in line with DNV and international safety standards, guidelines and regulations and ready for practical application on commercial vessels. 

The certification process involved detailed design reviews and assessments, ensuring that the rotor sail meets the rigorous standards for real-world deployment.

Hanwha Ocean, said: “Receiving this certification from DNV is a major milestone for us. It validates the safety and effectiveness of our rotor sail technology. We are committed to continuing our work on eco-friendly solutions that provide shipowners with confidence in choosing Hanwha Ocean products.”

Vidar Dolonen, Regional Manager at DNV Korea and Japan, said: “With increasing demand for solutions that can improve energy efficiency, cut emissions, and reduce the commercial impact of utilising low and carbon-neutral fuels, innovations like Hanwha Ocean’s rotor sails can provide immediate, tangible benefits.”

“Our collaboration with Hanwha Ocean on these rotor sail technologies opens up further segments to these solutions and reflects our shared commitment to decarbonizing shipping.”

As a result of its “Ex-proof” rating and equipment, the TADC also covers the installation of the rotor sail in hazardous zones onboard vessels, for example on tankers and vessels carrying explosive liquids, gases, and dangerous cargo.

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 25 September, 2024 

The application of wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) across a variety of vessel types is nearing a tipping point with deployment likely to increase rapidly, according to classification society Lloyd’s Register’s (LR) new report published on Tuesday (20 August). 

However, LR emphasised that the lack of standardisation for verifying fuel savings and concerns about equipment availability must be addressed. 

With the industry close to achieving 100 installations and the orderbook reflecting the diversity of vessel types employing WAPS, along with increasingly substantial deployments as technologies move beyond prototype and pilot phases, the absence of a standard for verifying potential fuel savings is creating uncertainty for operators looking to select solutions. 

With WAPS deployment likely to increase rapidly, driven by growing shipyard and operator familiarity with solutions, scaling up the supply chain to meet expected demand is a potential challenge. 

With several suppliers delivering very few units today – but with more suppliers set to enter the market in the near future – shipowners and operators will need confidence that WAPS suppliers can remain competitive and deliver increasing numbers of units without jeopardising project timeframes. 

The report also points to the need for a wider base of shipyards with installation capabilities to meet expected demand, with only around 16 yards to date having carried out WAPS retrofits. While installations are not unfeasibly complex, they may be best implemented over multiple time periods, so project planning is a key consideration. 

Coordinating installations with scheduled maintenance and component lead times, while working out the best time to install, safeguard compliance and minimise carbon cost exposure can prove challenging, the report says. 

Dr Santiago Suarez de la Fuente, LR’s Ship Performance Manager, said: “Wind-assisted propulsion systems are increasingly being used by ship operators to reduce fuel consumption, meet energy efficiency regulations and minimise exposure to carbon costs. With 29 installations between 2018-2023 and 72 in the orderbook, LR’s new research report demonstrates that there is growing confidence in the available solutions.”

Gavin Allwright, Secretary, International Windship Association, said: “There is a perfect storm brewing when it comes to reducing GHG emissions in shipping. New regulations, price challenges for existing and new fuels along with the growing pressure from cargo owners to reduce scope three emissions. These are driving the deployment of wind propulsion technologies, both as wind-assist and primary wind, retrofit and newbuild, however these systems need to be robust, safe and validated in order to build trust in the market and lay the foundation for scaling these across the fleet.”

The Applying wind-assisted propulsion to ships report collates technology insights from LR and industry experts. It includes an in-depth analysis of the current market, cost and compliance drivers, regulatory issues and technical challenges.

LR has been instrumental in driving industry knowledge in WAPS solutions. It developed the first open access online calculator for Flettner rotor fuel savings and has conducted numerous feasibility studies, engineering studies and performance validations on behalf of ship owners and operators, as well as issuing numerous approvals in principle for WAPS solutions. 

Note: LR’s report titled ‘Applying wind-assisted propulsion to ships report’ can be downloaded here. 

Photo credit: Lloyd’s Register
Published: 22 August, 2024

Classification society ClassNK on Friday (2 August) has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for the membrane-type LNG carrier installed with the 'Wind Challenger', a hard sail wind propulsion system. 

The ship is jointly developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. and Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. This marks the world's first AiP for an LNG carrier equipped with a Wind-Assisted Propulsion System (WAPS).

When such systems are installed on board ships, it is expected to be effective in reducing CO2 emissions by taking advantage of wind power. However, ClassNk said depending on the scale and specifications, they also pose risks to ship’s structure, crew on board, and the surrounding environment.

ClassNK said it carried out a review of the conceptual design of the ship based on its 'Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships', 'Guidelines for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for Ships (Edition 2.0)', and examined the result of required risk assessment. 

Photo credit: ClassNK
Published: 5 August, 2024