ClassNK grants AiP for automated kite system

Seawing is a kite system which assists vessel propulsion by harnessing natural wind power through dynamic flight. A switch launches or recovers the kite which unfolds, operates and refolds autonomously. The Seawing system collects and analyses meteorological and oceanic data in real-time, then adapts its flight to this information in order to optimize its performance as well as to ensure maximum safety.
Earlier this year K Line joined the International Windship Association (IWSA), a member-driven not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and facilitating direct wind propulsion in commercial shipping.
The company also signed a 20-year agreement to deploy Airseas’ Seawing kite propulsion systems on at least one K Line ship after testing and analysis.

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.

Upon receiving the application from K Line and Airseas, ClassNK reviewed the basic design of the kite system in line with the relevant international conventions, ClassNK rules, and the above-mentioned guidelines. Following its successful completion, ClassNK granted an AiP for the basic design of the kite system.

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