DNV Explores the Growing Role of Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems in Maritime Decarbonization

DNV Explores the Growing Role of Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems in Maritime Decarbonization

(IN BRIEF) DNV’s new whitepaper examines the growing interest in wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) and their increasing adoption across the shipping industry. The paper explores how WAPS contribute to fuel savings, reduce emissions, and help meet maritime regulations. It also provides detailed case studies, highlighting the feasibility and economic benefits of these systems. With the integration of WAPS into both new and retrofitted vessels, they are expected to play a significant role in the decarbonization of the maritime sector.

(PRESS RELEASE) BÆRUM, 5-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — DNV’s latest whitepaper delves into the growing interest in wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) and how they are poised to significantly impact the shipping industry. With a surge in demand, driven by a combination of shipyards scaling up production and systems builders enhancing installation capabilities, WAPS are expected to see an increase in orders over the coming years. The whitepaper provides a comprehensive analysis of these technologies, their implementation onboard ships, and the potential for fuel savings, offering shipowners valuable insights into their viability as a business option.

The document outlines how the design and operational factors of WAPS contribute to fuel savings and the steps necessary to evaluate the feasibility of these systems from concept to full implementation. It includes two detailed case studies based in EU waters, modeling the effects of WAPS installations on fuel costs and emissions reduction, in alignment with EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime regulations.

According to Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime at DNV, “In the journey toward decarbonizing the maritime sector, it’s crucial to explore every available option. As more verified data becomes available, the business case for WAPS technologies continues to strengthen. These systems are already proving to offer substantial fuel savings when properly matched with the right vessel and operational profile. They’re playing an important role in delivering immediate emissions reductions and contributing to the larger decarbonization efforts.”

Retrofitting existing ships with WAPS is feasible for almost any vessel with adequate deck space and unobstructed airflow, even if they were not originally designed to accommodate sails. However, ships designed with WAPS integrated into their design tend to offer better optimization potential. At present, approximately 75% of the WAPS fleet consists of retrofitted vessels, particularly tankers and general cargo ships. Among the various WAPS technologies, rotor sails are the preferred choice for bulk and tanker vessels, while suction sails are the most common selection for general cargo ships.

Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer at DNV, remarked, “WAPS technologies incorporate advanced control systems, aerodynamics, computer modeling, and modern materials. Though not yet widely adopted, they offer significant promise, especially as part of hybrid propulsion systems. Looking ahead, we may even see the first modern large cargo vessel powered purely by wind in the near future.”

A key factor driving the adoption of WAPS is their economic advantages, particularly in light of current and upcoming maritime regulations, such as the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), as well as future IMO CO2 emission requirements. WAPS can assist ships in meeting these regulations by providing a correction factor and improving their Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings through reduced fuel consumption.

DNV has been a leader in the development of rules and standards for WAPS and their onboard integration. In 2019, the company published the first class notation for ships equipped with WAPS. This notation is supported by DNV’s ST-0511 “Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems” certification standard. Additionally, the “WAPS Ready” notation, which allows for modular verification of future WAPS installations, will be updated in 2025, along with a new recommended practice (RP) for measuring system performance.

Media Contact:

Margrethe Andersen
Head of External Communications, Maritime
Phone: +47 47 68 22 89
margrethe.andersen@dnv.com

SOURCE: DNV