Bureau Veritas (BV), awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Hyundai Global Service CO. (HHI), TotalEnergies Gas & Power Limited, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), for wind assisted ship propulsion (WASP) on a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) and a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier.
In particular, the AiP was presented at Nor-Shipping in Oslo, marking the successful completion of a Joint Development Project (JDP) between all four companies to better understand and validate 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 principal conclusion of the project and the subsequent issuance of the AiP demonstrate that all of these 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.
As explained, building on pre-existing BV rules released in 1987, the rule note provides the classification requirements for modern wind-powered ships. BV Rule Note NR206 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. Firstly, during the design review stage, the rules ensure the safety and proper integration of wind propulsion systems with other onboard systems. Secondly, throughout the vessel’s in-service life, the rules address survey regimes and maintenance requirements.
