A new survey, conducted by Vaisala in partnership with the International Windship Association (IWSA), has gathered insights into the evolving challenges and opportunities in optimizing Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (WASP) systems.
Three-fourths of survey participants represent WASP system suppliers, encompassing technologies like wings, soft sails, rotors, rigid sails, and suction sails. The remaining respondents are from shipping companies operating vessels such as roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) carriers, bulk carriers, and tankers. The survey revealed critical insights into the industry’s challenges and needs, including:
- The demand for accurate and undisturbed wind data
- Operational efficiency improvements through remote wind monitoring
- Wind nowcasting to optimize WASP system performance
Local wind measurement is a growing priority
75% of respondents rated local wind measurements as “very important” for optimizing WASP performance, a significant rise from 2022, where only 20% rated local wind measurements as very important. Ultrasonic anemometers remain the primary instrument for capturing this data, offering reliability and precision.
Wind measurements are essential for real-time adjustments, which enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Over 87% of respondents confirmed that local wind data helps optimize their WASP systems, while half cited its role in improving safety, ensuring systems are only active in optimal wind conditions.
Key challenges and measurement needs
Respondents identified several key challenges in current wind measurement technologies for WASP optimization:
- High-fidelity, reliable wind data that minimizes noise and interference
- Usage of advanced tools like wind lidar for undisturbed wind data for predictive adjustments
- Comprehensive wind field analysis to account for environmental complexities rather than relying on limited or single-point data
- Strategic placement of sensors to avoid disturbed airflows and obtain accurate wind readings
- Cost-effective solutions that meet regulatory requirements
As one respondent noted, “For validation, getting undisturbed wind data by lidar is paramount.” This sentiment underscores the growing demand for advanced solutions that enhance accuracy and reliability.
Weather forecasts optimize WASP systems
More than 80% of respondents use weather forecasts to optimize their wind propulsion systems, highlighting the importance of integrating predictive data. Real-time local wind data supports immediate adjustments, while forecasts aid in strategic planning.
Over 30% of respondents prioritize local wind observations over forecasts for their accuracy and immediacy. However, a growing number value both equally, signaling a trend toward integrating real-time and predictive data for holistic system optimization.
It is worthing noting that in 2024, the maritime industry made significant progress in exploring wind propulsion as a decarbonization tool, with major operators retrofitting vessels with wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) like rotor sails, wing sails, and kite systems to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Projections for adoption vary: the EU previously estimated 3,700–10,700 installations by 2030, while the UK government envisions 40–45% of the global fleet using wind propulsion by 2050. Despite this optimism, widespread adoption faces regulatory, technical, and logistical challenges. Evaluating system efficiency remains complex due to factors like ship design, operations, and environmental conditions. Bureau Veritas and Lloyd’s Register have highlighted hurdles such as the lack of standardized criteria, hidden costs, and the need for significant scale-up in the supply chain.
