56 vessels could operate on wind propulsion by next year - IWSA

If all projects are completed on schedule, wind-assisted ship propulsion installations are expected to reach over 50 in the first quarter of next year, said International Windship Association (IWSA).

PHOTO: Concept design of Oceanbird's wind-powered cargo ship. Oceanbird

IWSA is a global non-profit organisation that promotes maritime wind-assisted propulsion through its 150+ maritime members.

There are 28 already large ocean-going vessels equipped with wind-assisted technology at present, according to Gavin Allwright, secretary general of IWSA.

In addition, there are also “eight wind-ready vessels and 22 more pending installations and five newbuilds underway along with a further 20+ smaller sail cargo and small cruise vessels using wind,” he adds.

“Together, that is more than all the large ships currently operating using new low- and zero-emissions fuels combined.”

According to IWSA, the EU has projected up to 10,700 wind propulsion installations by 2030, covering 50% of the bulker sector and 65% of tankers and 30,000 installations by 2050.

By Konica Bhatt

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