ClassNK Grants Approval in Principle to OceanWings’ RF and RT Wingsail Designs
Hamburg, 03 September 2026 – Expanded approval confirms the scalability of OceanWings technology across a broad range of vessel sizes and shipping segments.
OceanWings has received an Approval in Principle (AiP) from ClassNK covering its Rigid Fixed (RF) and Rigid Tiltable (RT) wingsails. The approval was presented during an official ceremony at SMM in Hamburg on 2nd September 2026.
Building on the initial AiP granted by ClassNK in 2025, which was limited to the 363m² wingsail with a 38-meter span, this extension confirms that the core design principles of both configurations can be applied to a broad range of wingsail’s sizes. OceanWings products offering already includes wingsail up to 407m² with a 42-meter span and the technology is now approved to expand to even larger sizes for the larger ship segments and different operational profiles.
Emmanuel Schalit, CEO of OceanWings, commented:
“This expanded Approval in Principle reflects the continued progress of our technology. The design philosophy, control architecture and onboard integration principles remain the same across all wingsail sizes. In practice, the appropriate dimensions are determined by the technical and operational requirements of each vessel, rather than by a predefined size limitation.”
The expanded AiP gives shipowners, shipyards and naval architects greater confidence when assessing the most appropriate OceanWings size and configuration for their vessels. It also supports the earlier integration of wind propulsion into newbuild programmes and retrofit projects.
Hayato Suga, President & CEO of ClassNK, commented:
“As the adoption of wind-assisted propulsion technologies continues to grow across the maritime industry, we are pleased to grant this Approval in Principle for OceanWings’ RF and RT wingsail designs. ClassNK will continue to support the maritime industry’s transition toward more sustainable shipping through its certification services. ”
This milestone forms part of OceanWings’ continued qualification and industrialisation roadmap, strengthening the company’s ability to deploy wind-assisted propulsion for ships globally.
PRESS CONTACT:
Joanna Trouchaud, Communications Manager
+33 6 07 58 20 43
Joanna.trouchaud@oceanwings.com
