ClassNK has released its Guidelines for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for Ships. The Guidelines aim to contribute to the safe integrity and design of wind powered technology and the ships that are installed with it.
As environmental regulations tighten, wind power for auxiliary propulsion is attracting attention as one of the underlying technologies for accomplishing low or zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission operations. ClassNK’s new guidelines verify structural strength, outlining methods for proving structural integrity of strength members, and utilising calculation methods for load amounts. In addition, the guidelines provide class notations for ships whose equipment is designed and installed in line with the guidelines. The contents of the guidelines will be consistently revised in following the developmental progress of the related technology.
“Once wind was main source to propel ships and the technology utilising wind is emerging again to energise ships’ environmental performance. A variety of concepts for wind-assisted propulsion systems, ClassNK has materialised its expertise to minimise potential risks by their installations to hull structure, crew, and surrounding environment. To promote the safety and soundness of designs applying wind-assisted propulsion system, we will keep on updating our guidelines in line with further technology progress as well as providing the certification on individual systems or concepts,” said Mr. Hayato Suga, corporate officer and director of plan approval and technical solution division.
The Guidelines for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for Ships are available to download free of charge via ClassNK’s website www.classnk.com.
