INTERVIEW: BUREAU VERITAS & WIND PROPULSION What can Bureau Veritas do to help bridge this clarity gap? to wind propulsion systems, which creates a level of ambiguity regarding their safe implementation on board. Is the lack of clarity the most significant barrier to uptake of these systems at scale? The lack of regulatory clarity represents a significant barrier to widespread adoption of wind propulsion technologies. The installation of wind propulsion systems entails substantial investment from owners and operators. Without international regulations, there remains a lack of clarity surrounding the contribution of wind propulsion technologies to reducing carbon emission on ships, which undermines the incentive for the industry to invest in wind propulsion technology. Are some operators willing to take a chance on these systems, despite the lack of clarity on regulation regarding their implementation? Absolutely. One example is BV’s collaboration with Louis Dreyfus Armateurs to support the installation of wind propulsion systems as part of three new-build ro-ro projects. Mathieu Muzeau, general manager of transport and logistics at Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, says, “Wind-assisted propulsion is part of the mix of solutions already available, and was appropriate for our ro-ro ships project. When assessing the right technology, we had several challenges to address: performance, cost of ownership, system reliability, lead time, track record and performance guarantee. We shortlisted four wind-assisted propulsion systems (rotor flettner, rigid sails, suction wings, rigid wingsails) and conducted extensive performance studies to compare those four systems in our transatlantic commercial sailing routes and optimize sails benefits for each one. [These systems have] been tested in cooperation with leading classification societies such as Bureau Veritas to ensure that it is robust, durable and safe to use.” As of July 2024, more than 105 wind propulsion systems had been installed on over 45 ships, in addition to 10 ships that were already prepared for potential installation of wind propulsion systems. In fact, a recent study suggests that over 1,600 ships will be ordered by 2030; by 2050 it is estimated that 30% of the entire global fleet will have engaged with wind propulsion technology. By developing the rules that make safe innovation possible, Bureau Veritas has a unique function in building trust between stakeholders and supporting them to overcome the challenges of implementing wind propulsion solutions. In light of the lack of regulatory clarity from international bodies, it is the role of class societies such as Bureau Veritas to provide shipowners and operators with the knowledge and assurance that these systems are suitable for use on board their vessels. Bureau Veritas has been instrumental in the development of rules for wind propulsion (NR 206 wind propulsion system) as well as classification notations Wind Propulsion-1 and Wind Propulsion-2, which ratify that the wind propulsion system in place has been tested and meets these safety standards. To fill the regulatory void left by international bodies, BV’s notations cover the design, construction and operation of wind propulsion systems on ships, as well as the associated safety requirements. At the planning stage, BV examines and approves the structural, mechanical and electrical plans, as well as their safety and stability, in accordance with BV’s NR 467 rules for the classification of steel ships and NR 206 for wind propulsion systems. Furthermore, BV provides a range of services during the construction phases, which cover both the assembly of the wind propulsion systems in the factories and their installation at the shipyard. Following this, BV’s experts undertake sea trial testing to ensure the installations are functioning properly. If an installation passes these processes, it will be issued a classification certificate. With regard to new and emerging technology, BV also provides preliminary assessments for unique design projects. As part of our approval in principle (AiP) and basic design approval (BDA) processes, feasibility studies are conducted to evaluate the viability of implementing the new technologies or projects in question. Above: Developing rules and guidelines for WPS solutions will help to develop trust between stakeholders Main: Using wind power will be key to meeting global emission targets 26 // January 2025 // ElectricHybridMarineTechnology.com
Electric & Hybrid Marine Technology International January 2025: Page 26
