Classification society DNV on Tuesday (11 March) has published a slideshow to highlight key findings and recommendations from its new white paper on how wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) can help shipowners meet GHG regulations and cut compliance costs.

The paper offers crucial guidance and considerations to determine the most suitable WAPS business case for specific operational and decarbonization needs. 

DNV said WAPS have already delivered significant fuel savings and GHG emission reductions in recent years. 

“However, it is a complex topic requiring a thorough evaluation process to find the best system for your operational and design requirements to unlock the full decarbonization potential,” DNV said. 

DNV recommended that to identify design and operational challenges to successful WAPS implementation, the decision making process starts by assessing the technical feasibility early on in the planning stage. 

Note: The new slideshow can be found here while the white paper can be downloaded here. 

Photo credit: Berge Bulk
Published: 13 March, 2025

Classification society DNV on Tuesday (4 February) said a surge in industry interest combined with systems builders and yards scaling up production and installation capacity, is set to accelerate growth in orders for wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) in the coming years. 

In response to this trend, DNV's new whitepaper provides a detailed look at WAPS technologies, their onboard implementation, and potential fuel savings to help shipowners determine whether they are a viable business option for their vessels and operations.

DNV’s whitepaper explores the design and operational factors influencing WAPS fuel savings and provides steps for evaluating the technical feasibility of new systems, from concept to implementation. The paper includes two case studies in EU waters modeling how different WAPS installations can effectively reduce fuel costs and emissions in compliance with EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime.

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime at DNV, said: “As we navigate the maritime energy transition, it's crucial to consider all options for decarbonization. And as more verified data comes in, the business case for WAPS technologies is building.”

“They are already delivering significant fuel savings when matched to the right vessel type and operational profile.”

“And as part of the suite of new energy efficiency technologies, WAPS are stepping up to deliver immediate emissions reductions and play a growing role in the maritime decarbonization journey.” 

Retrofitting WAPS is possible for almost any ship with sufficient deck space and unobstructed airflow, even if not originally designed for sails. However, vessels with WAPS integrated into the design offer even greater opportunities for optimization. 

Currently, 75% of the WAPS fleet are retrofits, primarily tankers and general cargo vessels. Rotor sails have been the preferred technology for the bulk and tanker sectors (54% share of systems installed), while suction sails are the main choice for general cargo ships (67%).

Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer at DNV, said: “Current WAPS technologies use advanced control and automation systems, combining aerodynamics, automation, computer modelling, and modern materials.”

“Today, these technologies are not widely adopted but show significant promise as a component in hybrid propulsion systems. Looking ahead, we might see the first pure wind powered modern large cargo vessel, Orcelle, contracted in the next few years.”

Drivers behind the rapid WAPS uptake are also tied to 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 that set CO2 emission requirements for new and existing ships. 

WAPS can help meet these requirements through a correction factor as well as 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. This notation is supported by the ST-0511 “Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems” certification standard. DNV’s “WAPS Ready” notation, which uses a modular approach to verify compliance for future WAPS installations and DNV’s new recommended practice (RP), which proposes an on/off methodology to measure performance, will be updated in 2025.

Note: A free copy of DNV’s WAPS whitepaper can be downloaded here.

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 5 February, 2025

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) on Thursday (30 February) said the multi-purpose vessel Prima Verde, operated by its group company MOL Drybulk and owned by Daishin Shipping, was delivered at Onomichi Dockyard.

The vessel has a range of environmentally friendly features, and is the world's first vessel of any type to use green steel materials, an engine that can run exclusively on marine gas oil (MGO) and a wind assisted vessel propulsion system.

JGreeX, a green steel material supplied by JFE Steel Corporation that significantly reduces CO2 emissions, in which CO2 emission reductions in the steel manufacturing process are allocated to optional steel materials, is used for the vessel's hull.

The vessel is also equipped with an engine from Japan Engine Corporation that can run exclusively on MGO. The engine has high combustion efficiency and low carbon dioxide emissions during operation.

It is also equipped with two VentoFoil wind power assisted vessel propulsion devices from ECONOWIND B.V., for which MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd. serves as a sales agent. 

The installation is expected to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions by utilising wind power for propulsion.

Photo credit: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
Published: 4 February, 2025