Could our ‘old friend’, the wind, be the solution to reducing the fuel consumption of ships?


By Simonetta Pegorari


The new Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (WASP) systems could play a key role in the future of the shipping industry. For years, alternative systems have been sought to reduce daily fuel consumption, saving money and reducing the carbon dioxide produced. Under optimal conditions, fuel consumption should be reduced by 50%.


Commercial shipping has for many years been resistant to the low-carbon revolution that has swept through other transport areas, but over the last decade, a lot has changed.


Many of the technologies behind this lively revival have been around for some time and mix innovative sails, deck-mounted wings, kites to futuristic designs like Flettner rotors, (discussed later in this article), which were invented over a century ago!


But faced with the combination of rising fuel prices and an industry- wide strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% over the next 30 years, the sector (held responsible for around 2.5% of global GHG emissions) is innovating like never before in an effort to increase fuel efficiency and reduce its environmental impact.


From the development of new hybrid electric propulsion systems


to AI-driven operational efficiency improvements, much is being done to reduce emissions. But arguably some of the most intriguing advances have been made in a field that dates back to the early days of navigation - wind propulsion. The new super- technological materials have favoured the research and creation of various types of technological "sails" capable of partially replacing the engines.


The Report • June 2021 • Issue 96 | 65


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