MEPC 82: Wind proponents push to include wind energy in GFI calculation

The energy generated from wind propulsion on ships should be fully accounted for in the greenhouse gas fuel intensity (GFI) calculation, the International Windship Association (IWSA) wrote in its proposal to the IMO.

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

The International Windship Association (IWSA) is a non-profit focussing on adoption of wind-assisted propulsion for commercial shipping. Companies like Odfjell, Cargill and classification society DNV are members of the ISWA.

The GFI measures the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions released into the atmosphere based on the amount of energy used by the ship. It is measured in grams of CO2-equivalent per megajoule of energy (gCO2e/MJ).

IWSA emphasised that wind energy delivered to the ship must be considered when calculating the ship’s GFI, since wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) or rotor sails can directly reduce a ship’s GHG emissions by lowering its fuel consumption.

A WAPS harnesses wind energy to supplement the propulsion of a vessel through the use of sails or other wind capture devices. Rotor sails are tall, spinning cylindrical sails that generate thrust for the ship by harnessing wind power.

“The use of a 'wind engine' or 'wind propulsion system' onboard ships makes it possible to reduce GHG emissions by replacing fossil fuel energy with direct renewable energy,” IWSA stated in the proposal.

In its submission to the IMO, the non-profit recommended a formula for including onboard wind power in GFI calculations.

ISWA recommended the IMO to determine the "energy equivalent of an internal combustion engine" to quantify the wind energy produced by the WAPS.

According to ISWA, this approach will help ensure that wind energy is fairly measured alongside other energy sources used by ships.

This proposal is expected to be discussed at the International Maritime Organization’s 82nd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82) meeting in September.

By Konica Bhatt

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