Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems on the Rise: Lloyd’s Register Report Highlights Industry Challenges
The application of wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) across various vessel types is nearing a crucial tipping point, with deployments expected to increase rapidly. However, a new report from Lloyd’s Register titled Applying Wind-Assisted Propulsion to Ships warns that several critical challenges must be addressed for this momentum to be sustained. The maritime industry is close to achieving 100 WAPS installations, and the orderbook reflects a growing diversity of vessel types adopting these systems. As technologies move beyond prototype and pilot phases, the absence of standardized methods for verifying potential fuel savings is creating uncertainty among operators seeking reliable solutions.
As WAPS deployment accelerates, driven by increased familiarity among shipyards and operators, scaling up the supply chain to meet the expected demand presents a significant challenge. Currently, a limited number of suppliers are delivering WAPS units, but more are expected to enter the market soon. Shipowners and operators, however, need assurance that suppliers can remain competitive and deliver increasing numbers of units without jeopardizing project timelines. Additionally, the report highlights the need for a broader base of shipyards capable of carrying out WAPS retrofits. To date, only around 16 shipyards have conducted these installations, and while the process is not overly complex, it often requires implementation over multiple time periods. Effective project planning, including coordination with scheduled maintenance and careful timing to safeguard compliance and minimize carbon cost exposure, is essential.
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Dr. Santiago Suarez de la Fuente, LR’s Ship Performance Manager, emphasized the growing use of wind-assisted propulsion systems to reduce fuel consumption, comply with energy efficiency regulations, and minimize carbon costs. He noted that with 29 installations completed between 2018 and 2023 and 72 more on the orderbook, confidence in these solutions is clearly rising. Gavin Allwright, Secretary of the International Windship Association, added that a “perfect storm” of new regulations, fuel price challenges, and increasing pressure from cargo owners to reduce scope three emissions is driving the adoption of wind propulsion technologies. However, he stressed that these systems must be robust, safe, and validated to build trust in the market and lay the groundwork for scaling across the fleet.
Lloyd’s Register’s report provides an in-depth analysis of the current market, highlighting the cost and compliance drivers, regulatory issues, and technical challenges facing WAPS adoption. The organization has played a key role in advancing industry knowledge of WAPS solutions, developing the first open-access online calculator for Flettner rotor fuel savings and conducting numerous feasibility studies, engineering assessments, and performance validations. As the maritime industry looks to scale up WAPS deployment, addressing these challenges will be crucial to ensuring sustainable growth and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in shipping.
Click here to access the LR report, Applying wind-assisted propulsion to ships.
