DNV Released an Update to Their Technical Standards
DNV released an update to its Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) technical standard. This new change includes new methods for evaluating WAPS fatigue strength and the performance of the systems in extreme conditions.
Wind is an inexhaustible, free, zero carbon energy source that can help low emission ships like the ones in heavy shipping today. New technologies, like automated systems and computer modeling are bringing new wind system innovations that are more efficient than ever.
Recently, DNV updated its ST-0511 guideline to include the latest advancements in WAPS. These updates are designed to drive down cost of operation and improve a vessel’s fuel efficiency, making them even more appealing for commercial use.
People are increasingly focused on environmental and sustainability efforts. The transition from B2C to B2B has opened up opportunities for businesses to become more sustainable. WAPS can help with compliance goals in this respect, according to DNV Maritime’s Hasso Hoffmeister.
The interaction of wind with a cellular polyethylene foil structure can be quite complex, so this update features a comprehensive new section on fatigue strength. The updated standard addresses how to account for the forces on WAPs when the wind speed is very large, and includes calculations that offer a completely new approach to derive the load combinations from the wind and inertia forces in tissue paper cells. In addition, the standard sets out a new method of assessing how WAPS perform under extreme wind conditions. Finally, the documentation requirements are streamlined to streamline the process.
With the announcement of several lighthouse projects, which are further showcasing the potential of wind as coupled propulsion for a modern cargo vessel, it’s important for vendors like DNV to continue innovating. This is why we see this trip as vital. To accomplish this, with our breadth of expertise, we can make sure that customers can realize these benefits with confidence.
Verification and certification of wind assistance propulsion systems is made simpler with the addition of the WAPS ST-0511 standard. In order to obtain an Approval in Principle, a Design approval or a Type approval, these verifications must be completed. They can also be obtained as part of the integration into a vessel or independently. The ST-0511 technical standard complements the DNV WAPS class notation, which is more focused on the integration of systems onboard vessels.