Bureau Veritas approves wind assisted propulsion system for VLCC and LNG carrier

Classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) has awarded an approval in principle (AiP) to a group of companies for equipping a very large crude carrier (VLCC) and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier with wind-assisted propulsion systems.

PHOTO: Organisation representatives at the AiP presentation. BV

The joint development project is focused “on three wind propulsion technologies, two of which were wing sails and one a rotor sail system,” BV says.

Parties involved in the project include South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries, marine firm Hyundai Global Service, UK-based energy provider TotalEnergies Gas & Power and Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL).

The certificate was awarded during the Nor-Shipping exhibition held in Norway's Oslo last week.

Wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) systems have gained traction among shipowners as they can improve fuel efficiency and also reduce emissions. This month, marine engineering consultancy BAR Technologies and Finland’s naval architect firm Deltamarin have partnered to develop a new vessel design that integrates wind propulsion technology.

Also, shipowner Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA) has partnered with VPLP Design and ship management company Alwena Shipping to develop a 32,500-dwt wind-assisted containership.

By Tuhin Roy

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