French class society Bureau Veritas (BV) has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to a wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) system on a VLCC and an LNG carrier.
The AiP was presented at Nor-Shipping in Oslo and marks the successful completion of a joint development project (JDP) between Hyundai Heavy Industries – Hyundai Global Service (HHI), TotalEnergies Gas & Power, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL).
The project by the four companies has, according to BV, validated the potential for WASP on these ship types.
The JDP focused on three wind propulsion technologies, two of which were wing sails and one a rotor sail system. The project demonstrated that all three systems are compatible with existing classification rules and regulations for VLCCs and LNG carriers, thereby paving the way for more detailed work to address specific risks that would enable detailed design and arrangement work to proceed.
BV actively participates in multiple WASP projects and in March 2021 released an update to its rule note for wind propulsion systems. The rule note provides the classification requirements for modern wind-powered ships.
The class society’s rule note provides load cases and coefficients for all types of wind propulsion technologies, including free-standing rigs, wing sails, kite sails, suction sails, and rotors. These dedicated rules serve as the key classification framework for wind-assisted propulsion.
During the design review stage, they ensure the safety and proper integration of wind propulsion systems with other onboard systems. Later, the rules address survey regimes and maintenance requirements throughout the vessel’s in-service life.
