Japan’s Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE) has announced that its subsidiary, Oceanicwing, has successfully completed the first phase of land-based testing for the Seawing kite system. This innovative wind-assisted propulsion system aims to enhance efficiency in maritime transport. Unlike other systems, Seawing is notable for its ability to generate significant thrust by utilizing high-altitude winds, making it suitable for installation on various vessels, including existing ones.
The latest tests, conducted in June, focused on verifying the tensile strength and performance of a 300 m² kite at a designated land test site. The results were promising, prompting “K” LINE to initiate phase two of development in July. This next phase will involve scaling up the kite size while further assessing the system’s tensile strength, reliability, operability, and safety.
Looking ahead, Oceanicwing plans to conduct tests on a large bulk carrier operated by “K” LINE, aiming to complete these within two years. The Seawing system is projected to reduce fuel consumption by over 10%, with potential for even greater savings depending on various factors such as ship type and route.
