K Line: Automated kite system development enters next phase

Japanese shipping company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) has revealed that land tests verifying the performance of “Seawing” automated kite system utilizing wind power have been successful, paving the way for offshore demonstration tests in the near future.

The system is being developed by Oceanicwing, a subsidiary of K Line in France. To remind, back in February 2024, K Line acquired the French wind propulsion specialist Airseas which developed Seawing.

In phase one of the development of Seawing, Oceanicwing verified the tensile strength and performance of “Seawing” system using a 300 square meter kite at a land test site in June 2025. Oceanicwing has confirmed that the results of these tests have been good.

To move forward with the development and practical application of Seawing, the company commenced phase two of its development in July 2025. In phase two of the development of the system, Oceanicwing plans to increase the size of the kite and verify the tensile strength, reliability, operability and