“K” LINE’s new “Seawing” automated kite system, which uses wind power to reduce fuel consumption and contribute to the decarbonization of the shipping industry, is progressing.
Seawing Development and Testing
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) announced the successful completion of the first phase of its “Seawing” automated kite system development. This phase, completed in June 2025 by the company’s French subsidiary, OCEANICWING S.A.S., involved land-based tests of a 300 square meter kite to verify its tensile strength and performance. Following these positive results, the company began Phase 2 in July 2025. This phase will involve testing a larger kite to verify its strength, reliability, operability, and safety on land, with the ultimate goal of installing it on a large bulk carrier owned and operated by “K” LINE for offshore demonstration experiments. The company aims to complete these tests within two years to move toward practical application.
Expected Benefits and Commercialization
The “Seawing” system is expected to reduce fuel consumption by more than 10%, though the actual savings will vary depending on factors such as ship type, speed, and route. The system is designed to be installed on any vessel, including existing ones, and is anticipated to work in synergy with the transition to alternative fuels like LNG to further reduce CO2 emissions. The company believes “Seawing” is a unique solution due to its ability to generate significant thrust from high-altitude winds. To support the system’s commercialization, OCEANICWING appointed Shingo Kameyama as its new CEO on 1st August . “K” LINE views the “Seawing” as a key part of its “Environmental Vision 2050,” aligning with its broader goal of using wind power to help achieve a low-carbon society.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: K-Line
