'K' Line, Airseas get approval for 'Seawing' as stricter shipping rules loom

Japan's Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd., or "K" Line, said Aug. 19 that it along with its collaborative partner Airseas received an approval in principle, or AIP, from classification society Nippon Kaiji Kyokai for its "Seawing" kite system, which converts wind energy into propulsive force with a flying kite.

The "Seawing" system collects and analyzes meteorological and oceanic data in real time, then adapts its flight to this information to optimize performance as well as to ensure maximum safety, it said in a statement.

Obtaining the AIP marks the completion of the initial design related to the kite structure and controls.

Through this project, "K" Line will promote wind propulsion as an environment-friendly solution in international shipping, it said.

"Now we step into further development and detailed engineering, with the target of installation and operation on the first "K" Line vessel," it added.

The move is in line with the "K" Line Environmental Vision 2050 initiative, which targets several steps to reduce the company's carbon footprint.

In April 2018, the International Maritime Organization announced its greenhouse gas strategy and targets to improve CO2 efficiency in shipping. The IMO has set targets that include a 50% cut in the shipping sector's GHG emissions by 2050 compared with 2008.

As part of the company's clean energy strategy, it plans to introduce LNG fueled ships, conduct research and development related to next generation alternative fuels, promote LNG bunkering, and reduce its GHG emissions through additional energy efficiency technologies, it said in a presentation on Aug. 5.

Meanwhile, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, or ClassNK, in a separate statement on Aug. 19 said it would also continue to support the smooth implementation of new technologies through its role as a third-party certification body.

ClassNK released its guidelines for wind-assisted propulsion systems for ships in September 2019.