ClassNK Expands Approval for OceanWings’ RF and RT Wingsail Designs

ClassNK has issued an expanded Approval in Principle (AiP) to OceanWings for its Rigid Fixed (RF) and Rigid Tiltable (RT) wingsail designs. This approval confirms the scalability of OceanWings technology across a range of vessel sizes and shipping segments, according to a report from Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide.

The AiP was formally presented during an event at SMM in Hamburg on 2 September 2026. This expanded approval builds upon an initial AiP granted by ClassNK in 2025, which was limited to a 363m² wingsail with a 38-meter span.

Expanded Design Principles

The extension signifies that the core design principles of both the RF and RT configurations can be applied to a wider array of wingsail sizes. OceanWings currently offers wingsails up to 407m² with a 42-meter span. The latest approval permits the technology to be applied to larger sizes for different ship segments and operational profiles.

Emmanuel Schalit, CEO of OceanWings, stated that the expanded AiP reflects the ongoing progress of the company's technology. He noted that the design philosophy, control architecture, and onboard integration principles are consistent across all wingsail sizes. Schalit added that the appropriate dimensions are determined by the technical and operational requirements of each vessel, rather than by a predefined size limitation.

Industry Confidence and Future Integration

This expanded AiP aims to provide shipowners, shipyards, and naval architects with increased confidence when evaluating the most suitable OceanWings size and configuration for their vessels. It is also expected to facilitate the earlier integration of wind propulsion into newbuild programmes and retrofit projects.

Hayato Suga, President & CEO of ClassNK, acknowledged the growing adoption of wind-assisted propulsion technologies within the maritime industry. He affirmed ClassNK's commitment to supporting the maritime industry's transition towards more sustainable shipping through its certification services. According to OceanWings, this milestone is part of its continued qualification and industrialisation roadmap, strengthening its capacity to deploy wind-assisted propulsion solutions globally.