ClassNK grants AIP related to Wind Challenger Project
Leading Classification Society ClassNK says it has granted an Approval in Principle (AIP) based on its “Guidelines for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for Ships” and relatedregulations for the basic design of a hard sail system, which converts wind energy topropulsive force with a telescopic hard sail, and is a fundamental technology of the WindChallenger Project (*1) that Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.("MOL") and Oshima Shipbuilding Co.,Ltd. are spearheading.
Along with other participating organizations, MOL and Oshima Shipbuilding have played acentral role in research and development on the Wind Challenger Project, which aims toreduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by using wind energy.
Meanwhile ClassNK released its Guidelines for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for Ships inSeptember 2019 in order to contribute to the safe integrity and design of this technology andthe ships that are installed with it.
Upon receiving the application from MOL and Oshima Shipbuilding, ClassNK has reviewedthe basic design of the hard sail system in line with relevant international conventions,ClassNK rules, and the above-mentioned guidelines. Following its successful completion,ClassNK granted an AIP for the basic design of the hard sail system, which marks the world'sfirst AIP based on the guidelines.
ClassNK will continue to support the smooth implementation of new technologies through itsrole as a third-party certification body.
About the Wind Challenger Project
The Wind Challenger Project started in 2009 with the "Wind Challenger Plan," anindustry-academia joint research project led by The University of Tokyo, and in 2013, the teamwas chosen to receive a "Subsidy for Next-generation marine environment-related technologyresearch" by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. In January 2018, MOLand Oshima Shipbuilding took charge of the plan and now play a central role in this project.
About ClassNK
Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, known as ClassNK or NK, is a ship classification society. The Society is actively engaged in a growing range of ship related activities and services aimed at contributing to promoting the protection of human life and property at sea as well as protection of the marine environment. The ClassNK is headquartered in Tokyo and in Chiba, Japan, and there are branch offices at the major Japanese and overseas cities throughout the world. As of the end of May 2016, the Society had 9,268 ships totaling over 244 million g.t. under class. This figure represents approximately 20% of the world merchant fleet currently under class.
