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,

The CREATOR methodology is advancing holistic ship design by integrating wind propulsion, hydrodynamics and propulsion optimisation within a flexible Python-based framework. Applied to a Newcastlemax bulk carrier with rotor sails, the approach identifies optimal configurations, quantifies efficiency gains and reveals how multidisciplinary digital design can unlock greater performance from wind-assisted shipping.

Wind-assisted propulsion is moving beyond hardware innovation to address a critical design challenge: aerodynamic interference between multiple sails. Using a bespoke modelling approach calibrated with CFD and wind-tunnel data, bound4blue has developed a rapid simulation tool that optimises eSAIL® configurations, enabling more accurate performance prediction, efficient vessel integration and enhanced fuel-saving potential.

Machine learning is accelerating Windship design by bridging the gap between simplistic hydrodynamic models and computationally intensive simulations. Using neural-network surrogate models trained on diverse hull forms, researchers can rapidly predict forces, moments and wake characteristics with near-CFD accuracy, enabling faster optimisation, performance assessment and early-stage integration of wind propulsion technologies.

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Intellectual property is becoming a critical differentiator in the rapidly expanding wind propulsion sector. As innovation accelerates across sails, rotors, control systems and integration technologies, effective IP strategies can help developers secure investment, protect competitive advantage and strengthen market position. This paper explores patent trends and practical approaches to managing, protecting and commercialising wind propulsion innovations in an increasingly competitive maritime market.

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As wind-assisted propulsion becomes more widespread, robust methods for validating ship manoeuvrability and seakeeping are increasingly important. This research introduces an advanced model-testing approach using a five-winch system capable of independently applying wind-induced forces and moments, enabling realistic assessment of highly wind-assisted vessels. Results demonstrate its effectiveness in evaluating safety, handling and regulatory compliance, supporting the reliable integration of wind propulsion technologies into future ship designs.

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As wind-assisted propulsion gains momentum, understanding its hydrodynamic consequences is becoming critical. Advanced towing-tank experiments reveal how leeway and rudder angles influence resistance, stability and yaw behaviour, sometimes requiring significant helm corrections. The findings provide valuable guidance for designing safer, more efficient low-emission vessels and future propulsion strategies at scale.

Wind-assisted propulsion is moving from retrofit opportunity to core design principle. Advanced simulation-driven optimisation, generative design and data-centric engineering are enabling vessels to maximise technologies such as WindWings® from concept stage. By accelerating design-space exploration and reducing computational effort, new approaches promise greater efficiency, emissions reductions and commercial viability ahead.

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As wind propulsion becomes a key decarbonisation technology, its impact on vessel manoeuvrability and safety is attracting increased attention. Advanced time-domain simulation and co-simulation techniques reveal how wing sails can significantly influence ship handling, while highlighting opportunities to optimise control systems, human-machine interfaces and vessel design. The findings support safer integration of wind propulsion and inform future regulatory development.

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