In a significant stride towards greener maritime operations, researchers have developed a versatile platform that could make wind-assisted ship propulsion more attractive to vessel operators. The tool, designed to optimize and assess wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS), was created by Timoleon Plessas and his team at the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece. Their work was recently published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, also known as the Journal of Ocean Science and Engineering.
The platform simulates vessel performance along predefined routes under realistic weather conditions, incorporating regulatory frameworks and economic assessments. It uses a steady-state force equilibrium model and a multi-objective optimization framework to identify optimal designs across user-defined criteria. In simpler terms, it helps ship designers and operators figure out the best way to equip a vessel with wind-assisted technology, balancing factors like cost, emissions, and performance.
To demonstrate its capabilities, the team applied the platform to a bulk carrier operating between China and the USA. They optimized for capital expenditure, net present value (NPV), and CO₂ emissions. The results were promising: the optimized design achieved a 12% reduction in CO₂ emissions, a 7% decrease in capital expenditure, and a 6.6 million USD increase in net present value compared to the reference design with sails.
“This platform can effectively balance conflicting objectives,” Plessas explained, “achieving substantial emissions reductions without compromising economic performance.” The methodology is adaptable to various ship types, WAPS technologies, and operational profiles, offering a valuable decision-support tool for stakeholders navigating the transition to zero-carbon shipping.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. As the maritime industry faces growing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, wind-assisted propulsion systems offer a promising solution. However, the adoption of these systems has been slow due to uncertainties about their performance and economic viability. This platform could help change that by providing a clear, data-driven approach to designing and assessing WAPS-equipped vessels.
For maritime professionals, this means new opportunities to invest in and implement wind-assisted technologies with greater confidence. It also opens up possibilities for innovation in ship design and propulsion systems, as the platform can be adapted to various ship types and technologies. Moreover, the tool’s ability to balance economic and environmental objectives could make it a powerful asset for stakeholders looking to meet regulatory requirements without sacrificing profitability.
In the broader context, this research contributes to the global effort to decarbonize the shipping industry. By providing a practical, adaptable tool for optimizing wind-assisted propulsion systems, it brings us one step closer to a more sustainable maritime future. As Plessas and his team continue to refine and expand the platform’s capabilities, we can expect to see even more innovative applications and benefits emerging in the years to come.