October 26, 2026
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.
ClassNK held the environmental seminar "Latest Trends and Practical Operation of Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems" (the "Seminar") on October 23, sponsored by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd. and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK).
As the shipping industry works to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems are gaining momentum. WAPS harness wind power to supplement ship propulsion, helping to reduce fuel consumption and GHG emissions. With installations expanding, attention is increasingly turning to operational experience and performance evaluation. The Seminar focused on these practical aspects, providing an opportunity to share knowledge on the adoption and operation of WAPS. A total of 160 participants from shipping companies, shipbuilders, marine equipment manufacturers and other organizations attended.
Following a presentation by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) on carbon neutrality trends in the maritime sector, the programme featured an overview of international developments in wind propulsion by the International Windship Association (IWSA), presentations on shipping companies’ experience with WAPS installation and operation, and an introduction to ClassNK’s WAPS-related activities. In addition, a panel discussion featuring five industry experts explored operational challenges, approaches to performance evaluation and the future outlook for WAPS.
ClassNK and the four sponsoring companies will continue to contribute to the maritime decarbonization through knowledge sharing and technical verification to support the safe and effective adoption and operation of WAPS.
<Seminar Programme>
- Trends in Carbon Neutrality in the Maritime Sector
Mr. Kenji Takahashi, Director, Ocean and Environment Policy Division, Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism - Wind Propulsion: Scaling the Winds of Change
Mr. Gavin Allwright, Secretary General, International Windship Association - “K” LINE's Wind-Assisted Propulsion Initiative: The Seawing Project
Mr. Koji Tsumuraya, Manager, Seawing Team, Seawing Group, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. - Introducing the Wind Challenger Project
Mr. Tetsushi Matsuoka, Project Manager, Ship Technology Unit, Technology & Digital Strategy Division, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. - Introducing NYK's Progress on Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems
Mr. Tomoki Inoue, Team Leader, Green Technology Team, Technology Development Group, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha - ClassNK Activities on WAPS
Mr. Chishiro Funada, Technical Department, Technical Division, ClassNK - Challenges and Future Outlook for Practical Operation and Performance Evaluation (Panel Discussion)
Moderator: Mr. Makoto Yamaguchi, Senior Executive Fellow, MOL Maritex Co., Ltd.
Panelists:
・Mr. Tatsuya Hayashi, Manager, Technical Solution Department, ClassNK
・Mr. Koji Tsumuraya, Manager, Seawing Team, Seawing Group, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.
・Mr. Tetsushi Matsuoka, Project Manager of Wind Challenger Deployment Project Team, Ship Technical Unit, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
・Mr. Tomoki Inoue, Team Leader, Green Technology Team, Technology Development Group, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha
・Mr. Gavin Allwright, Secretary General, International Windship Association
