OceanWings has received approval in principle (AiP) from the classification society ClassNK for its rigid fixed and rigid tiltable wingsails, the company announced in a press release on Thursday.

The approval builds on the 2025 certification, which covered a 363 m2 wing with a 38 m span. OceanWings said its wind propulsion technology can now be scaled to larger wings, including for bigger vessel types and different operating needs. The company's portfolio already includes a 407 m2 wing with a 42 m span.

Wingsails are a form of wind-assisted ship propulsion designed to harness wind power to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The technology is one of several wind-assisted approaches—including rotor sails and suction wings—that shipping companies have been trialing as the industry works to cut greenhouse gas emissions under the International Maritime Organization's targets, which include net-zero emissions from international shipping by or around 2050. Classification society approvals such as ClassNK's AiP assess the feasibility of novel designs at a conceptual stage, based on the society's rules and standards, and often serve as an early step toward full class approval for commercial installation. ClassNK is a Japanese classification society.

According to OceanWings, the approval is expected to make it easier for shipowners and shipyards to consider its technology for both newbuilds and retrofits, segments where the fuel savings from wind assistance must be weighed against installation costs and the deck-space and operational constraints of each vessel.

"This expanded Approval in Principle reflects the continued progress of our technology," said Emmanuel Schalit, CEO of OceanWings. "The design philosophy, control architecture and onboard integration principles remain the same across all wingsail sizes."

Source: Ship & Bunker