By
Alex Smith |
The adoption of wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) across a variety of vessel types is nearing a tipping point, a new report by Lloyd’s Register has said.
According to the Applying wind-assisted propulsion to ships report, WAPS deployment is likely to increase rapidly as the technology moves beyond prototype and pilot phases, with almost 100 installations carried out so far.
“Wind-assisted propulsion systems are increasingly being used by ship operators to reduce fuel consumption, meet energy efficiency regulations and minimise exposure to carbon costs,” said Dr Santiago Suarez de la Fuente, ship performance manager for Lloyd’s Register. “With 29 installations between 2018-2023 and 72 in the orderbook, Lloyd’s Register’s new research report demonstrates that there is growing confidence in the available solutions.”
However, the report suggests that this increased demand could pose a potential challenge for the supply chain in delivering the required number of units. It also highlights the lack of standardisation for verifying fuel savings as creating uncertainty for operators about which solutions they should select, as well as suggesting that there is a need for more shipyards to develop their capability to install WAPS systems.
“There is a perfect storm brewing when it comes to reducing GHG emissions in shipping,” said Gavin Allwright, secretary of the International Windship Association. New regulations, price challenges for existing and new fuels along with the growing pressure from cargo owners to reduce scope three emissions. These are driving the deployment of wind propulsion technologies, both as wind-assist and primary wind, retrofit and newbuild. However, these systems need to be robust, safe and validated in order to build trust in the market and lay the foundation for scaling these across the fleet.”
The Applying wind-assisted propulsion to ships report includes contributions from both Lloyd’s Register and industry experts. It includes an analysis of the current market, cost and compliance drivers, regulatory issues and technical challenges.
The full report is available via Lloyd’s Register’s website.