Norsepower Rotor Sails approved for vessel hazardous zones

Norsepower said the Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) from DNV for the 28 m x 4 m explosion-proof (EX) version of Rotor Sail is the first for any wind assisted propulsion system in hazardous zones onboard vessels.

The certification will streamline the approval process for shipbuilders looking to adopt Rotor Sails for installation in hazardous zones on tankers and other vessels carrying explosive liquids or gases, cutting the documentation and discussions required for class approval.

The EX Rotor Sails use a pressurised air system to eliminate flammable gases, and has protection to all critical components inside the rotor sail, including the power unit and electrical cabinets.

Heikki Pöntynen, CEO of Norsepower, commented: "This new certification by DNV serves as proof of our commitment to advancing safety and innovation in the maritime industry. Our long-standing collaboration with DNV, which began with the development of the first-ever WAPS-related Type Approval Design Certificate, has been instrumental in setting industry standards. We are proud to continue pioneering advancements that make wind-assisted propulsion more accessible and safer for all."

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV Maritime, said: “As the maritime industry works to decarbonise, technologies which offer the potential to improve energy efficiency become ever more important. This is why we are so pleased to be able to award Norsepower this certificate, as it opens up new segments to reap the benefits of WAPS and is another milestone in this long standing co-operation.”

Related:bound4blue’s eSAIL gets full DNV type approval

DNV gave type approval to the first 30 m x 5 m Rotor Sail model, a collaboration which aided in the development of DNV’s wind assisted propulsion standards.

Norsepower said it has Rotor Sails onboard 12 vessels, with 37 more units to be installed on 15 ships over the coming 18 months.