K Line doubles down on wind propulsion systems for its bulkers

Japanese shipping firm Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) has placed orders for three more wind propulsion systems, bringing its total to five bulkers that will have these systems fitted.

PHOTO: Model of Airseas' kite mounted to the bow of a K Line vessel. K Line

The five systems will be installed on K Line’s three post-Panamax bulkers and two Capesize bulkers. They are expected to reduce the vessels' carbon dioxide emissions by more than 20%, K Line says.

The first ship installation will be done in December.

Developed by the French maritime technology firm Airseas, the systems combine kite-technology with an automated flight control system. It involves parafoils that fly at an altitude of over 200 metres to harness wind power to propel the vessels forward.

Airseas says the system requires minimal deck space and can be retrofitted on ships.