The WASP (Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion) project, has been officially approved and launched; The project gathers universities, wind-assist technology providers with ship owners to research, trial and validate the operational performance of a selection of wind propulsion solutions thus enabling wind propulsion technology market penetration and contributing to a greener North Sea transport system through harvesting the regions abundant wind potential.
Specifically, the WASP is funded by the Interreg North Sea Europe programme, which is part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The project is in line with the overall goals of promoting the development and adoption of products, services and processes to accelerate the greening of the North Sea Region.
Danitsja van Heusden-van Winden, Netherlands Maritime Technology Foundation and WASP project lead beneficiary stated
We’re delighted to be able to commence the WASP project and we are thrilled or looking forward to being able to test the wind propulsion systems on different types of vessels, routes and sea conditions throughout the project duration thanks to Interreg’s support and the efforts of all the project partners.
The project includes wind propulsion, shipping logistics and innovation experts that will monitor and evaluate operations and also develop ways and applications to overcome any potential regulatory and business-related issues.
The project’s statement highlights that the biggest challenge today is to move towards a decarbonized shipping sector, along with the increased demand for low carbon solutions.
Direct wind propulsion along with secondary renewables: wind-sourced ammonia, hydrogen and other fuels and batteries, are all pieces in this decarbonization puzzle.
Moreover, wind energy in the North Sea region along with automated wind propulsion technologies such as rotors sails, suction wings and rigid sails can play a crucial role at a time when fuel prices are increasing, the market is unstable, and the sector has to deal with emission reduction directives, carbon pricing, a tightening regulatory and policy environment.
Thus, Gavin Allwright, Secretary General of the International Windship Association stated
Wind propulsion solutions are a very important technology segment for the decarbonization of shipping. The propulsive energy provided is substantial and this is delivered directly to the ship with no need for new infrastructure.
The WASP project will help to fasten this decarbonization transition by giving the market and policy makers clear indicators on operational parameters, fuel savings, business models and a collection of additional demonstrator vessels to highlight the wind-assist propulsion potential.
Participating in the project are Chalmers University of Technology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kühne Logistics University, the Danish Ecocouncil, Nord University, SSPA, the European Federation for Transport and Environment, HHX.blue and supported by the International Windship Association and the Netherlands Maritime Technology Foundation.
