“Growing pains inevitable”: LR

Meanwhile, in a steady stream of WAPS developments, classification society has issued a Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) for bound4blue’s eSAIL system.  The issued certificate validates complete compliance with the classification society’s Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) technical standard, demonstrating that the team’s breakthrough suction sail technology is in line with the industry’s most advanced rule set.

With the TADC in place, bound4blue says it expects “accelerated technical due diligence processes with customers, paving the way for a simpler system roll-out”. This, the company says, will help shipowners remove the burden of individual quality validation, speed up access to eSAIL® benefits, including reduced fuel consumption and emissions, lower OPEX, and simplify compliance with the most stringent regulatory demands.

The fully autonomous system works by dragging air across an aerodynamic surface, generating exceptional propulsive efficiency. The simple, low weight and easy to install units significantly cut main engine loads, fuel use and emissions. Customers include Odfjell, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Amasus, Marflet, and Louis Dreyfus, according to bound4blue.

DNV has also awarded Hanwha Ocean Type Approval (TADC) for its rotor sail technology, the first certification of a rotor sail approved for installation in hazardous zones in South Korea. The TADC confirms that Hanwha Ocean’s Rotor Sail, designed with composite materials, is in line with DNV and international safety standards, guidelines and regulations and ready for practical application on commercial vessels. The certification process involved detailed design reviews and assessments, ensuring that the rotor sail meets the rigorous standards for real-world deployment. The TADC also covers the installation of the rotor sail in hazardous zones onboard vessels, for example on tankers and vessels carrying explosive liquids, gases, and dangerous cargo.

16/12/24