Research institutes of Sweden launch performance prediction workshop

The RISE Workshops On Performance Prediction for Wind-Powered Ships (SWOPP) are a series of benchmark projects for all organisations working with performance prediction of wind-powered and wind-assisted vessels. Building on the insights and feedback from SWOPP 1 & 2, RISE now organises SWOPP 3.

SWOPP 3 is a comprehensive industrial benchmark study on weather routing and speed optimisation. The aim of the joint SWOPP project is to establish a baseline by comparing the results of performance forecasts from participating organisations.

Participants receive performance data (“polars”) for a generic wind-powered vessel, along with boundary conditions representing typical voyage scenarios. Using their own optimisation tools, participants create a weather route of the vessel and send the results to the organisers. A description of the routing methodology and algorithms is welcome, but not mandatory. All submitted results will be anonymised and compared. At the end of the project, participants will be invited to a meeting in Gothenburg. Finally, there is an opportunity to contribute to a joint publication.

The test case

A generic primary wind powered general cargo vessel with wing sails. The following results will be compared:

• Energy savings for a given maximum sailing time using only speed optimisation.
• Savings for a given maximum sailing time using speed optimisation and weather routing.

RISE provides all the inputs needed to perform the calculations, including the required “polars” There is no need to perform simulations in a Velocity/Performance Prediction Program (VPP/PPP). The purpose of SWOPP 3 is solely to compare the results of different weather routing methods.

Timeline:

• 31 Aug 2025 End of registration for standard costs (late registration is +50%)
• 02 Oct 2025 Kick-off online meeting. Input given.
• 31 Jan 2026 Submit results.
• 05 Mar 2026 Meeting at RISE/SSPA Maritime Centre in Gothenburg. Presentation of results and discussions on methods. Plan for joint publication. Tour of facility, networking and social activities.

Registration:
E-mail to: Frederik Gerhardt

Source: Research institutes of Sweden

Photo: Dykstra Scheepsarchitecten

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