The classification society DNV has awarded an AiP (Agreement in Principle) to Michelin for its WISAMO wing sail system. This is the first AiP to have been awarded to an inflatable wing sail design.
First introduced in 2021, the WISAMO sail is an inflatable, retractable, automated wing sail that can be installed on commercial vessels. The AiP has been awarded based on DNV’s WAPS ST-0511 standard.
The WISAMO sail has been installed on the MN Pelican. The 155m long, 8,600 dwt Compagnie Maritime Nantaise ro-ro cargo vessel, operates under charter to Brittany Ferries and sails between Poole, Great Britain and Bilbao, Spain. This will allow testing of the system under commercial maritime navigation conditions.
“We are very pleased to receive this AIP for the WISAMO solution,” said Gildas Quemeneur, Initiative Leader at Michelin. “It is a very important step toward the further development of this innovative solution to contribute to maritime transport decarbonisation.” Installation on the MN Pelican will allow tests in heavy conditions and provide information useful in building a larger WISAMO wing sail.
“We need to look to enabling technologies that can boost vessel performance, reduce fuel use, and enhance sustainability,” said Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer at DNV Maritime. “This is why we are seeing a growing interest in WAPS for owners where the combination of compliance strategy, vessel type, and route offer potential benefits. However, as with every novel technology, acceptance and uptake can only grow from a foundation of trust, supported by rigorous, trusted and evolving technical standards. We are very pleased to award Michelin this AiP and look forward to working with them as the project progresses.”
Photos:
Top: The certificate presentation with a model of the installation on the MN Pelican. From left to right: Davis Bertrand, Key Account Manager - DNV; Gildas Quemeneur, CEO - WISAMO; Edouard Leveau, Technical Manager - Maritime Nantaise.
Bottom: The prototype of the sail that will be installed on the Maritime Nantaise ro-ro cargo vessel MN Pelican.