Wind-assisted propulsion fleet crosses 100-vessel mark – IWSA
The number of large commercial vessels equipped with wind-assisted propulsion systems has surpassed 100 as of June, the International Windship Association (IWSA) reported.
IMAGE: Ship with OceanWings wind-assisted propulsion system concept. OceanWings
The milestone comes as shipowners seek to reduce emissions, while navigating “volatile” bunker fuel costs amid uncertainty surrounding future fuel availability, the IWSA said.
The fleet includes more than 230 individual wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) installed across a range of vessel types. WAPS technologies include suction sails, rigid and semi-rigid wing sails, rotor sails, traction kites and traditional soft sail systems.
The tanker and bulker segments currently account for the largest share of installations.
As of 1 June, 37 tankers and 24 bulk carriers were fitted with wind propulsion systems. The technology has also been installed on 24 Roll-On/Roll-Off passenger vessels and 19 cargo ships.
Shipowners including Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Berge Bulk, Halten Bulk, Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, Anemoi Marine and NYK Bulkship have invested in WAPS installations across parts of their fleets.
Industry confidence has been bolstered by growing operational experience and the technology’s potential to deliver both fuel savings, according to IWSA secretary general Gavin Allwright.
Retrofitted WAPS technologies are typically reported to reduce fuel consumption by 5–20%, resulting in lower associated greenhouse gas emissions. Newbuild deployments could offer greater fuel savings, IWSA said.
While uncertainty remains over the future shape of the IMO’s global shipping regulation, Allwright believes the technology will remain in demand.
"We estimate that the number of wind propulsion installed ships will once again double in the next 12 months, amounting to around 200 large commercial vessels in total by this time next year," he said.
By Konica Bhatt
Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online
