Industry Experts Share Operational Insights into Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS)
- Seminar explores performance evaluation, operational challenges and future prospects for WAPS -

ClassNK
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd.
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.
Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha

[Tokyo, Japan, 26 October 2026]
ClassNK held the environmental seminar "Latest Trends and Practical Operation of Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems" (the "Seminar") on October 23, sponsored by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd., Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. ("K" LINE) and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK).

As the shipping industry works to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems are gaining momentum. WAPS harness wind power to supplement ship propulsion, helping to reduce fuel consumption and GHG emissions. With installations expanding, attention is increasingly turning to operational experience and performance evaluation. The Seminar focused on these practical aspects, providing an opportunity to share knowledge on the adoption and operation of WAPS. A total of 160 participants from shipping companies, shipbuilders, marine equipment manufacturers and other organizations attended.

Following a presentation by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) on carbon neutrality trends in the maritime sector, the programme featured an overview of international developments in wind propulsion by the International Windship Association (IWSA), presentations on shipping companies' experience with WAPS installation and operation, and an introduction to ClassNK's WAPS-related activities. In addition, a panel discussion featuring five industry experts explored operational challenges, approaches to performance evaluation and the future outlook for WAPS.

Photos of the speakers

ClassNK and the four sponsoring companies will continue to contribute to the maritime decarbonization through knowledge sharing and technical verification to support the safe and effective adoption and operation of WAPS.

<Seminar Programme>

• Trends in Carbon Neutrality in the Maritime Sector
  Mr. Kenji Takahashi, Director, Ocean and Environment Policy Division, Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
• Wind Propulsion: Scaling the Winds of Change
  Mr. Gavin Allwright, Secretary General, International Windship Association
• "K" LINE's Wind-Assisted Propulsion Initiative: The Seawing Project
  Mr. Koji Tsuburaya, Seawing Team Leader, Seawing Group, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.
• Introducing the Wind Challenger Project
  Mr. Tetsushi Matsuoka, Project Manager and Senior Lead of Wind Challenger Team, Ship Technical Unit, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
• Introducing NYK's Progress on Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems
  Mr. Tomoki Inoue, Team Leader, Green Technology Team, Technology Development Group, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha
• ClassNK Activities on WAPS
  Mr. Chishiro Funada, Technical Department, Technical Division, ClassNK
• Challenges and Future Outlook for Practical Operation and Performance Evaluation (Panel Discussion)
  Moderator: Mr. Makoto Yamaguchi, Senior Executive Fellow, MOL Maritex Co., Ltd.
  

  Panelists:

  • Mr. Tatsuya Hayashi, Manager, Technical Solution Department, ClassNK
  • Mr. Koji Tsumuraya, Manager, Seawing Team, Seawing Group, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.
  • Mr. Tetsushi Matsuoka, Project Manager of Wind Challenger Deployment Project Team, Ship Technical Unit, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
  • Mr. Tomoki Inoue, Team Leader, Green Technology Team, Technology Development Group, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha
  • Mr. Gavin Allwright, Secretary General, International Windship Association

<ClassNK>
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Hayato Suga, President & CEO
Website: https://www.classnk.or.jp/hp/en/

<Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.>
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Takenori Igarashi, Director, Representative Executive Officer, President & CEO
Website: https://www.kline.co.jp/en/index.html

<Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.>
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Jotaro Tamura, Representative Director, President, Chief Executive Officer
Website: https://www.mol.co.jp/en/

<MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd>
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Masao Fukushima, President & CEO
Website: https://www.motech.co.jp/en/

<Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha>
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Takaya Soga, President, Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
Website: https://www.nyk.com/english/