ClassNK grants AIP for wind-powered kite systemClassNK grants AIP for wind-powered kite system
Japan’s ClassNK has granted an Approval in Principle (AIP) to Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) and France’s Airseas for their automated kite system Seawing.

Seawing is a kite system which assists vessel propulsion by harnessing wind power through its dynamic flight.
A simple 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.
The AIP is based on ClassNK’s Guidelines for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for Ships, released in September 2019 in order to contribute to the safe integrity and design of the technology for ships to install.
Upon receiving the application from K Line and Airseas, ClassNK reviewed the basic design of the kite system in line with relevant international conventions, ClassNK rules, and the guidelines.
“ClassNK will continue to support the smooth implementation of new technologies through its role as a third-party certification body,” ClassNK stated.
Read more about:
ClassNKAbout the Author
You May Also Like