Decade of
Wind Propulsion
2021-2030
Decade of
Wind Propulsion
Deliver - Optimise - Facilitate
Decade of
Wind Propulsion
The Decade of Wind Propulsion 2021-2030 has been announced by over 150 leading companies, experts and supporters and is a declaration of intent from this growing technology segment of commercial shipping to Deliver, Optimise and Facilitate the decarbonisation of the current fleet and the vessels of the future.
Deliver
This is the ‘Decade to Deliver’ on the potential of wind propulsion as both a retrofit and new build solution for the shipping industry and that delivery has already begun. EU research has forecast that up to 10,700 wind propulsion installations could be in place by 2030 covering 50% of the bulker market and up to 65% of tankers. This will in turn reduce emissions by 7.5Mt of CO2 and deliver tens of thousands of jobs. The UK Clean Maritime Plan forecasts that wind propulsion technologies will become a £2 billion a year segment, with 37-40,000 installations (40-45% market penetration) by the 2050's. The small vessel market (fisheries, sail cargo, ferries etc.) also has great potential. With full market rollout, wind propulsion could deliver up to a third of the fleet's propulsive energy needs or up to 1% of global GHG emissions.
Optimise
Wind propulsion technology providers and the multiple stakeholders designing, developing and deploying these solutions will continue to optimise existing systems and there is a robust pipeline of R&D projects, new concepts and solutions. The International Windship Association is in the process of putting together a 'Wind Propulsion Accelerator Programme', which will further support these efforts, with a dedicated test fleet, an incubator programme to support wind technology and a pipeline to assist with bringing these systems to market. This optimisation strategy includes research in hybrid systems that fully integrates these solutions into the energy management of the vessel along with optimising everything from ship design to advanced weather routing and other aspects, which help unlock the full potential of the wind.
Facilitate
The harnessing of wind doesn’t stand alone as a pathway to decarbonisation but it does hold the key to facilitating the broader, deeper and faster uptake of alternative low carbon and zero-emissions fuels. With the adoption of a hybrid W.A.V.E. approach we can meet and exceed the industry goals at lower overall costs. Wind propulsion [delivers 20-30% of energy] + Activity: operational optimization (speed, power limits, weather routing etc.) [reduces energy use by 20%+] + Vessel optimization (EMS, energy efficiency measures etc.) (20%+) + Eco-fuel requirement [20-40%]. With the more expensive Eco-fuel bunkering requirement significantly reduced this should facilitate a quicker and ultimately cheaper roll out of these new fuels + Less storage space, increased vessel range and potential to generate fuel onboard as added facilitators.
“There are already 31 large ocean-going vessels with wind-assist systems installed, with over 60 rigs and equalling two million dwt of shipping. There are also eight wind-ready vessels and 22 more pending installations and five primary wind newbuilds underway along with a further 20+ smaller sail cargo and small cruise vessels using wind. Together, that is more than all the large ships currently operating using new low- and zero-emissions fuels combined.”
GAVIN ALLWRIGHT
Secretary General IWSAWind Propulsion Key Points
Renewable Energy Source
Abundant Energy Supply
Available Worldwide Today
Zero Emissions Energy
Delivered at No Cost
Delivered Directly to Point-of-Use
No New Infrastructure Required
Wind Propulsion Technology
Propulsion not Energy Efficiency
Wind-Assist & Primary Mover
Retrofits = 5-20% Propulsive Energy
Optimised Wind-Assist = up to 30%
Primary Wind New Builds = 50%++
Retractable, Automated, Certified
Economics of Wind
Energy Cost Fixed at Zero
Technology Available Today
Applicable Across the Fleet
Robust Pipeline of Tech & Projects
Operational Changes Boost Wind
Predictable: Weather Routing/Forecast
Wind Propulsion Technology Developments
Latest News
Technology Explanations
International Windship Assoc. Membership
Upcoming Activities
Conferences & Events
Film & Documentaries
Project Deliverables
Accelerator Program
Articles & Media
Webinars & Interviews
Market Reports & Surveys
Policy & Research