The wind-assisted propulsion technology to be tested on a kamsarmax bulker by charterer Cargill has won Approval in Principle (AiP) from classification society DNV.

The AiP assures the practicality and safety of the WindWings rigid sails developed by UK-based BAR Technologies (BARTech) and paves the way for the first retrofit installation next year.

Two wings will be installed on the kamsarmax, expected for delivery to Cargill in 2022, with one of them funded by the European Union as part of Project CHEK to assess the energy-saving potential of multiple technologies working together.