Classification society DNV has awarded an AiP to Michelin for the Wisamo wing sail system, the first AiP to have been awarded to an inflatable wing sail design which is currently being installed for testing on the DNV classed ro-ro ‘MN Pélican’.
First introduced in 2021, the Wisamo sail is an inflatable, retractable, automated wing sail which can be installed on commercial and recreational vessels. The sail is automated with a system developed by Michelin R&D and is retractable for access into ports and under bridges. The AiP has been awarded based on DNV’s WAPS ST-0511 standard.
The initial tests of a Wisamo sail were carried out on a sailing yacht. Currently installation of a 100m2 system in being undertaken on the DNV classed MN Pelican. The 155m long, 8,600 dwt Compagnie Maritime Nantaise ro-ro cargo vessel operates under charter to Brittany Ferries and sails between Poole, UK and Bilbao, Spain. This will allow testing of the system under commercial maritime navigation conditions.
Gildas Quemeneur, Initiative Leader Michelin, said: “We are very pleased to receive this AIP for the Wisamo solution. It is a very important step forward the further development of this innovative solution to contribute to maritime transport decarbonisation. We are now ready for the wing sail usage on MN Pelican ro-ro that will allow experimental tests in heavy maritime conditions. All returns of experience will now contribute to build the larger Wisamo wing sail.”
Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer, DNV Maritime added: “For the maritime industry to reach the ambitious decarbonisation targets that have been set by regulators and increasing demanded by stakeholders, we need to look to enabling technologies that can boost vessel performance, reduce fuel use, and enhance sustainability. This is why we are seeing a growing interest in WAPS for owners where the combination of compliance strategy, vessel type, and route offer potential benefits. However, as with every novel technology, acceptance and uptake can only grow from a foundation of trust, supported by rigorous, trusted and evolving technical standards. We are very pleased to award Michelin this AiP and look forward to working with them as the project progresses.”
DNV’s WAPS ST-0511 standard provides a framework for the verification and certification of wind assistance propulsion systems. It can be applied in obtaining an Approval in Principle, a Design Approval or a Type approval. These verifications and certifications can also be obtained as part of the integration into a vessel or independently. The ST-0511 technical standard is a complement to the DNV WAPS class notation, which is focussed on the integration of systems onboard vessels, whether retrofitted or as part of a newbuilding.
DNV is a member of the International Windship Association and aims to use its membership to further support and accelerate the uptake of wind-assisted propulsion systems by the global shipping fleet.
