ClassNK joins International Windship Association

ClassNK is the second classification society to become a member of IWSA joining Bureau Veritas.

Hayato Suga, ClassNK’s corporate officer and director of plan approval and technical solution division, commented: “Expecting that wind propulsion technology will play an even greater role as ships’ power source, ClassNK has been developing necessary standards to ensure the safety and soundness of designs applying them. Utilizing our expertise and R&D outcome, I’m looking forward to working together with IWSA members to meet the challenges of emission reduction.”

Last September ClassNK released its “Guidelines for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for Ships”.

Gavin Allwright, secretary general of IWSA said: “2020 will be a critical year for wind propulsion developments as we enter the ‘decade to deliver’ on GHG emission reductions. We are delighted to welcome ClassNK aboard at this important juncture and the expertise they bring to IWSA will be invaluable to help deliver credible, viable and safe wind solutions into the market.”

IWSA believes that momentum for wind-powered solutions for marine propulsion is growing as shipping looks to decarbonise.