BV reviews performance methodology of “Seawing” automated wind kite system developed by “K” LINE subsidiary OCEANICWING 

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has conducted third party reviews regarding the effectiveness of the “Seawing” automated kite system developed by OCEANICWING S.A.S., a France-based subsidiary of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE).

Phase one of the Seawing development program was completed in June 2025. During this phase, OCEANICWING carried out land-based demonstration tests using a 300 m² kite to assess tension performance and overall system performance. Based on the test results, BV confirmed that the methodology applied during the demonstration trials was appropriate and theoretically consistent with the stated performance objectives.

The 300 m² kite generated a theoretical towing force of 25 tons. According to the assessment reviewed by BV, increasing the kite size to 600 m² would theoretically double the towing force to 50 tons, which may be validated through further testing. A 50-tonne towing force is comparable to that of a typical tugboat.

Following completion of phase one, the project has entered phase two. This stage will focus on increasing the kite size and further validating operability and safety at the land test site, in preparation for onboard application. Offshore demonstration trials are also planned on a large bulk carrier owned and operated by “K” LINE, with the aim of verifying tension performance and system reliability under real operating conditions. The testing program is expected to be completed around 2027, paving the way for practical use.

Takenori Igarashi, President & CEO of “K” LINE, stated that third-party verification by BV reinforces confidence in Seawing’s technical potential. He noted that scaling up the kite system could deliver significant fuel savings and that the company will continue development efforts to bring the wind-assisted propulsion system into practical shipboard use, supporting the decarbonization of the shipping industry.