Rapid Uptake of Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems Driven by Emission Regulations

The maritime industry is witnessing a surge in the adoption of wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) due to stricter emission regulations and industry innovation. DNV’s latest whitepaper provides insights into WAPS technologies, their implementation, and potential fuel savings, helping shipowners evaluate their viability.
Industry Interest and Technological Advancements
The growing interest in WAPS is fueled by the need to comply with emission regulations and the potential for significant fuel savings. DNV’s whitepaper explores the design and operational factors influencing WAPS fuel savings and provides steps for evaluating the technical feasibility of new systems. The paper includes case studies in EU waters, modeling how different WAPS installations can reduce fuel costs and emissions in compliance with EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime. Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime at DNV, emphasized the importance of considering all options for decarbonization, stating that WAPS technologies are already delivering significant fuel savings when matched to the right vessel type and operational profile.
Retrofitting and Integration of WAPS
Retrofitting WAPS is possible for almost any ship with sufficient deck space and unobstructed airflow, even if not originally designed for sails. Currently, 75% of the WAPS fleet are retrofits, primarily tankers and general cargo vessels. Rotor sails are the preferred technology for the bulk and tanker sectors, while suction sails are the main choice for general cargo ships. Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer at DNV, highlighted the advanced control and automation systems used in current WAPS technologies, combining aerodynamics, automation, computer modeling, and modern materials. These technologies show significant promise as a component in hybrid propulsion systems, with the potential for the first pure wind-powered modern large cargo vessel, Orcelle, to be contracted in the next few years.
Regulatory Compliance and Economic Benefits
The rapid uptake of WAPS is also driven by the economic benefits of complying with current and future regulations like the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), and upcoming IMO regulations. WAPS can help meet these requirements through a correction factor and improve Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings by reducing fuel consumption. DNV has been at the forefront of developing rules and standards for verifying and certifying WAPS and their integration onboard, publishing the first class notation for ships using WAPS in 2019. DNV’s “WAPS Ready” notation and new recommended practice (RP) will be updated in 2025 to further support the adoption of WAPS technologies.
1 DNV.com