Commercial Wind Propulsion Solutions: Putting the ‘Sail’ Back into Sailing

Abstract

We have seen a wind change in the industry over the last 4–5 years where it comes to shipping efficiency. This has gone hand in hand with a steady growth in commercial wind propulsion projects, matched by a very cautious and gradual change in perceptions of wind propulsion in the industry. Nonetheless, momentum has been building and this paper will place that change into perspective, focusing on the change drivers, the barriers and solutions to and examples of new build and retrofit projects to watch. Firstly, it outlines the current state of commercial wind propulsion and how we have reached this point from a technical point of view (sail design, rotors, kites and new hull designs). It then details the financial and policy drivers and the market barriers and how those will likely affect uptake of wind propulsion. The International Windship Association (IWSA) establishment is a key development as the first organisation dedicated to the promotion and facilitation of commercial wind propulsion solutions in cooperation with the shipping industry and other major stakeholders. A key focus is on work streams tackling barriers and generating solutions in the policy, technical standards, finance, communication and cargo/market transformation fields. Examples of three wind propulsion projects at an advanced stage of development presented in this paper will provide a clearer understanding of the potential for change, rating performance and outlining the expected costs, returns and other commercial considerations.