Wind assisted propulsion systems and the role of a Ship Classification Society

Abstract

As an independent third-party consultant, DNV GL provides dedicated simulation studies on comparing the performance, reliability and economic impact of different sailing rig concepts in a high-level assessment. In more detailed studies a comparison of the reduction of green-house gases on different shipping routes throughout the year can be assessed. Each newbuilding must fulfil mandatory EEDI limit values. What is almost unknown in the shipbuilding community is that wind propulsion systems can become a significant measure to fulfil future stricter limits. EEDI rules and regulations offer the possibility considering the effect of WAPS (Wind Assisted Propulsions Systems) in the EEDI calculation. The assumptions in the EEDI rule set regarding a global wind matrix with reference to the global shipping routes are explained and discussed. DNV GL has traditionally been dealing with certification and engineering of sailing rigs and uses these synergies for offering certification and engineering services within the wind propulsion segment. Recently technical standards for wind assisted propulsion systems and a new additional class notation for the ships carrying such devices has been developed. These services and standards are presented in the third part of the paper.