ClassNK's seminar on wind-assisted propulsion systems attracted 160 industry professionals, focusing on practical applications and operational insights.
ClassNK held the environmental seminar 'Latest Trends and Practical Operation of Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems' on October 23. The event drew 160 participants from shipping companies, shipbuilders, marine equipment manufacturers, and other organizations. Four of Japan's leading maritime companies sponsored the seminar: Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. ('K' LINE), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd., and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK).
The seminar focused on the practical side of Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS), which use wind power to supplement a ship's main propulsion. WAPS can lower fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As installations expand across the global fleet, industry attention is shifting from whether to adopt the technology to how it performs in real-world service. The program reflected that shift, creating a forum to share knowledge on both WAPS adoption and day-to-day operation.
Wind-assisted propulsion is gaining momentum as the shipping industry works to cut its GHG emissions. By drawing on wind to reduce the load on conventional engines, WAPS offer a route to lower fuel use. This matters for ship operators and the cargo owners who depend on them, because fuel use affects both emissions and operating costs.
With more vessels now fitted with these systems, operational experience and performance evaluation have become central concerns. Clear, credible data on how WAPS perform at sea is increasingly important for decision-makers across the maritime supply chain.
The seminar opened with a presentation by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) on carbon neutrality trends in the maritime sector. This set the policy context for the sessions that followed.
The program then featured:
- An overview of international developments in wind propulsion from the International Windship Association (IWSA)
- Presentations from shipping companies on their experience with WAPS installation and operation
- An introduction to ClassNK's WAPS-related activities from ClassNK, a classification society that sets and verifies technical standards for ships.
