Headway Technology Group has secured approval in principle (AiP) from China Classification Society (CCS) for its intelligent rotor sail system.
The system combines wind-assisted propulsion with the company's smart ship platform, using navigation, weather and sea-state data to adjust rotor sail operations and improve propulsion efficiency, Headway said in an emailed statement on Wednesday.
The approval paves the way for further engineering work, shipboard integration and commercial deployment.
Headway plans to target both newbuild vessels and retrofits.
Wind propulsion systems harness wind energy for propulsion, helping reduce bunker fuel consumption and emissions.
A growing number of shipowners are retrofitting wind propulsion systems to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
According to the International Windship Association, more than 100 ships are now either equipped with wind propulsion systems or classified as wind-ready.
AiP is an initial technical assessment by a classification society confirming that a design meets relevant requirements and is suitable for further development.
