DNV has joined the International Windship Association (IWSA), aiming to further support and accelerate the uptake of wind-assisted propulsion systems by the global shipping fleet.
In recent years there has been a sharp uptake of wind propulsion systems for use on merchant ships. Currently, twenty-one large commercial vessel wind propulsion installations are reportedly in operation with that number expected to double over the next twelve months. The technology is also becoming increasingly cost-effective as the price of fossil fuels rises.
This progress is being mirrored by the expanding membership of the IWSA, the not-for-profit organisation that promotes wind propulsion for commercial shipping worldwide.
Hasso Hoffmeister, senior principal engineer at DNV called IWSA a ‘key convenor of important players’. “IWSA has made great strides in facilitating the accelerated uptake of wind,” he said.
As a full member of IWSA, DNV will offer a new classification class notation for ships using wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS). To-date, DNV has awarded class approvals in principle to a number of WAPS on the market and also provides bespoke advisory services to guide customers through assessing the safety and suitability of WAPS and which systems are right for their business.
Gavin Allwright, Secretary General of IWSA welcomed DNV to its ranks. “They will bring a wealth of experience to the association which is imperative since classification societies play a critical role in supporting safety and new technology, including those for wind-powered or wind-assisted shipping,” he said.
