WASP takes off in a big way

Wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) are increasingly being used, both for ships already in operation and new builds, reports Paul Bartlett in Seatrade Maritime News, following a DNV publication.

In a recent white paper, DNV notes that wind-assisted propulsion has led to annual fuel savings of 5% to 20% for certain vessels, according to owners, operators and technology manufacturers. There has been a rapid increase in WAPS since 2021, with 52 wind-powered seagoing vessels now in operation and 97 newbuildings with WAPS on order as of January 2025.
Wind-based technologies will play an important role as emissions regulations become more stringent, according to the classification society. The European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) has now been in place for more than a year, requiring ship owners operating in EU and EEA waters to buy and surrender emission allowances for tank-to-wake emissions.

New regulation favours WAPS

FuelEU Maritime, in force since 1 January, goes further. Not only does it calculate greenhouse gas intensity on a more stringent well-to-wake basis, the regulation also offers a reward factor of 1%, 3% or 5% for ships equipped with WAPS. Both the ETS and FuelEU regulations become more stringent over time.
DNV also points out that IMO is now developing its own new greenhouse gas regulations, which are likely to be adopted this year and come into force in mid-2027. DNV says the regulations will include a technical element mandating the use of marine fuels with lower greenhouse gas intensity, as well as a pricing mechanism for greenhouse gas emissions.

Further benefits

WAPS installations will support ship owners’ compliance through fuel and emission savings, but the new IMO regulations could also reward the greenhouse gas intensity of WAPS-equipped ships. The DNV white paper does not model the impact of these regulations because they have not yet been finalised, but WAPS systems are likely to bring further benefits when IMO regulations are introduced.
For now, the classification society advises owners to adopt proactive planning strategies, a step recognised by the notation ‘WAPS ready’. This may include structural foundations, ensuring intact stability and ensuring the safety of shipping after WAPS installation by providing an unobstructed line of sight. Such a strategy minimises the need for additional adjustments at the time of installation, saving both time and money.

Read Paul Bartlett’s article at source: Seatrade Maritime News.
See also our detailed article in the previous Windassist on this topic.
Photo: ©Cape Horn Engineering.

Editor’s note: The terms WASP (Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion) and WAPS (Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems) are used interchangeably these days; there is no agreement yet on exactly what it should be. For a long time WASP was the term, but since the Norwegians started using WAPS, the industry (and hence journalism) is divided. The editors of Windassist prefer the older WASP for now, but that may well change in the future.

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