“K” Line Wind Service inks deal with SN Marine

“K” Line Wind Service (KWS), a joint venture of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha and Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen, has reached a capital alliance agreement with SN Marine, through a third-party share allotment. SN Marine operates offshore support vessels for wind power projects, including the KAIKO and the geological survey vessel EK HAYATE.

The two companies have previously coordinated operations for these vessels and will use the alliance to strengthen cooperation and expand internationally standardised offshore support services. SN Marine trains Japanese crews in dynamic positioning system (DPS) operations and maintains international vessel safety certifications such as e-CMID and OVID.

CMID is the electronic Common Marine Inspection Document an internationally standardized ship inspection system for the marine and offshore industries provided by the International Marine Contractors Association. OVID is the Offshore Vessel Inspection Database for evaluating and managing the safety and operational capabilities of ships that comply with the SIRE format developed by the Oil Companies International Marine Forum

Japan has set targets to develop 10 GW of offshore wind power by 2030 and 30–45 GW by 2040, including floating offshore wind equipment. Meeting these targets will require more offshore support vessels, skilled crews, and operational frameworks that reflect industry expertise.

The alliance combines SN Marine’s experience in vessel operations with KWS’s safety management systems and industry network to ensure reliable support services for the growing offshore wind sector in Japan.