Wind-assisted propulsion is advancing faster than the regulations governing it. Focusing on navigation, radar performance, visibility and navigation light compliance, this analysis highlights critical gaps between emerging vessel technologies and legacy maritime rules, revealing why regulatory adaptation will be essential to safely enable the large-scale adoption of wind-powered shipping.

Canopée, the world’s first wind-assisted RoRo vessel equipped with four large OceanWings, is providing a real-world test of advanced wind propulsion at scale. Combining sophisticated performance modelling with operational data, the project demonstrates how predictive engineering can translate into measurable fuel savings, offering valuable insights for the future of low-carbon shipping.

A wind-powered cargo vessel concept could challenge conventional shipping by using wind propulsion as the primary energy source, supported by advancing solar and battery technologies. Centred on a hydrodynamically optimised Ro-Ro and Lo-Lo platform, the vision explores weather-dependent operations, commercial viability and autonomous-ready technologies, highlighting both decarbonisation opportunities and key financing, perception and scalability challenges.

As Hapag-Lloyd pursues net-zero emissions by 2045, wind-assisted propulsion is emerging as a promising pathway to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions across large container fleets. Through targeted research, the company is evaluating operational challenges, performance optimisation opportunities and technology integration strategies, helping define the practical role of wind propulsion in future sustainable shipping.

Accurately predicting the benefits of Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion demands more than simplified estimates. By combining high-fidelity CFD, surrogate modelling, power prediction and weather routing, this methodology quantifies fuel savings, CII impacts and return on investment. The findings reveal why precision analysis is becoming essential for maritime decarbonisation efforts worldwide.

Retrofitting rotor sails onto bulk carriers is proving that wind-assisted propulsion can deliver practical decarbonisation benefits, but successful deployment depends on overcoming complex integration and compliance challenges. Drawing on real-world installations across multiple vessel classes, this research highlights critical lessons for designers, manufacturers and classification societies seeking to scale wind propulsion safely and efficiently.

Flettner rotor technology is advancing rapidly as a viable wind-assisted propulsion solution for maritime decarbonisation. Drawing on high-Reynolds-number wind tunnel testing, this research reveals how rotor geometry and endplate design influence aerodynamic performance. The findings provide valuable guidance for optimising lift generation, improving fuel-saving potential and enhancing future wind-assisted ship propulsion systems.

Understanding how keel design affects wind-powered vessel performance is becoming increasingly important for maritime decarbonisation. Combining towing-tank experiments, Particle Image Velocimetry and digital ship modelling, this research reveals how bilge and fin keels influence hydrodynamic efficiency, vortex behaviour and propulsion performance, delivering valuable insights for future optimisation and sustainable design.

A novel wind sail using CoFlow Jet active flow control could significantly advance wind-assisted propulsion by delivering exceptionally high lift without rotating components. Combining advanced CFD modelling with route-based economic analysis, the technology demonstrates strong fuel-saving potential, reduced emissions and attractive payback periods, highlighting a promising pathway for maritime decarbonisation at scale.

Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems are gaining momentum as a practical decarbonisation solution, but confidence in real-world performance remains critical. Leveraging operational vessel data and innovative on/off testing methods, this research examines how fuel-saving benefits can be measured with greater accuracy, reducing uncertainty and helping operators make more informed investment and deployment decisions.

Advanced wind sensing could unlock greater value from Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems by ensuring sails respond to actual local wind conditions rather than relying solely on conventional bridge-mounted measurements. By evaluating technologies such as LiDAR, fibre-optic sensors, pressure sensing and enhanced anemometers, this research demonstrates how more accurate wind data can boost propulsion efficiency, increase fuel savings and support load monitoring, improving both operational performance and long-term system reliability.

The paper consists of two parts. The first part provides a transparent methodology to estimate the net propulsion fuel consumption savings when using a WAPS. The savings can be calculated by vessel performance simulations for specified voyage or for past routes in specified timeframe. The methodology principles are applicable to rotor sails, hard sails,