China’s green-shipping industry has reached a significant milestone with the certification of its first domestically developed rotor sail system. DNV, a global leader in classification and technical advisory services, has granted a Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) to CSSC Shanghai Marine Energy Saving Technology (CMES-Tech) for its innovative 35-meter tilting type wind-assisted rotor system. This certification, achieved under DNV’s WAPS rules (ST-0511), marks a major leap forward for China’s maritime technology sector and underscores the growing global demand for reliable and efficient wind-assisted propulsion systems.
The CMES-Tech rotor sail system is designed to adapt to varying draft and clearance conditions, featuring a retractable and adjustable design. This flexibility allows the rotor to retract during cargo operations, avoiding interference with deck, hatch operations, or port infrastructure. The system also integrates intelligent sensing and automatic control, enabling it to adjust rotor operation based on real-time wind conditions. This not only maximizes wind propulsion efficiency but also ensures operational safety.
As the shipping industry faces mounting pressure from fuel costs and emissions regulations, the demand for such innovative solutions is on the rise. Recent years have seen a growing number of wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) certified by DNV, including fixed or tiltable rotors, wingsails, and suction sail systems from providers around the world. The certification of CMES-Tech’s rotor sail system is a testament to the company’s commitment to driving maritime efficiency and sustainability.
“Receiving the DNV TADC is a landmark for China’s green-shipping industry and a strong validation of our design’s maturity, structural integrity, and operational practicality,” said Huang Guofu, General Manager of CMES-Tech. “It demonstrates that our 5 m by 35 m tilting rotor design meets the highest classification and validates our commitment to driving maritime efficiency. We look forward to working with DNV as we continue to innovate and deliver solutions that can deliver economic and environmental value to shipowners worldwide.”
This certification paves the way for the installation of the CMES-Tech rotor sail system on DNV classed commercial vessels, marking a significant step forward in the adoption of wind-assisted propulsion technologies. The system’s ability to integrate seamlessly with existing vessel operations and its adaptability to various conditions make it a promising solution for shipowners looking to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
The collaboration between CMES-Tech and DNV highlights the importance of industry partnerships in driving technological advancements. As the maritime sector continues to evolve, such collaborations will be crucial in developing and deploying innovative solutions that address the challenges of fuel costs and emissions regulations.
In conclusion, the certification of CMES-Tech’s rotor sail system is not just a milestone for China’s green-shipping industry but also a significant development for the global maritime sector. It underscores the potential of wind-assisted propulsion technologies in enhancing maritime efficiency and sustainability, and sets a precedent for future innovations in the field.