Ротор‑парус с интеллектом: китайская разработка прошла проверку DNV

Classification society DNV issued a Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) to CSSC Shanghai Marine Energy Saving Technology Co., Ltd. (CMES-Tech) on December 4, 2025. This certification recognizes the company's 5-meter by 35-meter Tilting Type Wind Assisted Rotor System, making it the first domestically engineered rotor sail to meet DNV's Standard ST-0511 for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS).

The approval was formally presented during the Marintec China event, confirming the system's readiness for integration onto DNV-classed commercial vessels. This development marks a significant advancement for China's green-shipping technology sector, emerging as the maritime industry faces increasing pressure from rising fuel costs and stricter emissions mandates globally.

The CMES-Tech design features a retractable and adjustable configuration, allowing the large composite cylinder to tilt and retract to avoid interference with port infrastructure, cargo operations, or low overhead clearances. Furthermore, the system incorporates intelligent sensing and automatic control mechanisms designed to dynamically adjust rotor operation based on real-time wind data, aiming to maximize propulsive efficiency while maintaining operational safety.

Dr. Huang Guofu, General Manager of CMES-Tech, stated that the TADC validates the design's structural integrity, maturity, and operational practicality, a claim supported by the prototype successfully completing a rigorous 120% overload structural test. DNV's assessment covered the mechanical, electrical, and structural design aspects to ensure suitability for diverse sea conditions.

Chen Keng, DNV Vice President and Area Manager for China South, noted that this approval arrives as shipowners actively seek credible fuel-saving tools, emphasizing that WAPS technologies provide immediate, tangible benefits. DNV established the ST-0511 standard to provide a clear pathway for independent certification of WAPS products, separate from specific ship applications.

With the design certification secured, CMES-Tech is scheduled to proceed with detailed installation planning and subsequent sea trials to empirically validate the system's in-service performance. This domestic breakthrough signals China's commitment to accelerating its role in the next generation of wind-assisted propulsion, a technology expected to bolster efficiency gains in the shipping industry.