Low Carbon GIA Roundtable reviews a draft practical guide on Wind Propulsion Technology
IMO’s Global Industry Alliance to Support Low Carbon Shipping (Low Carbon GIA) hosted its 3rd roundtable on “Wind Propulsion Technology” at IMO Headquarters (26 and 27 June). The roundtable reviewed the first draft of a practical guide to support ship owners on Wind Propulsion Technology (WPT) implementation, breaking down barriers to adoption. The draft guide was developed based on previous roundtables and engagement with industry stakeholders, providing their experiences and challenges with WPT.
Wind is a renewable, zero-emission energy source that ships can use to assist propulsion. It is expected to play a key role in the future maritime energy mix, enabling the shipping industry to meet the levels of ambition set out in the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy. Various technologies which can harness wind power have been developed (kites, rigid wings, rotors, soft sails, suction wings, etc.) and are increasingly being installed on cargo ships. However, large-scale adoption of WPT is yet to be realized, and barriers to uptake, particularly in developing countries, need to be better understood.
Supported by technical assistance from the International Windship Association (IWSA), the roundtable convened shipowners, charterers, technology providers, classification societies, and research institutions, alongside members of the Low Carbon GIA with first-hand and practical experience in WPT projects. The roundtable discussed the various sections of the guide which cover typical aspects of a WPT project lifecycle: from assessing feasibility and accessing finance, to design, installation and operation, and shared lessons learned and best practices for future WPT projects.
Key discussions from the roundtable included:
- Practical considerations on how to select a WPT and technology provider;
- Assessment and transparent reporting of WPT performance;
- Roles of classification societies and Flag States in design and installation of WPTs;
- Responsibilities of various parties in the installation and commissioning of WPTs; and
- Development and contents of Crew/Shore Side Training.
As a next step, feedback from the roundtable will be included into the guide and further expert reviews undertaken before publication of the finalized guide by the end of 2025.
The Low Carbon GIA is a public-private partnership established under the framework of IMO GreenVoyage2050, a technical cooperation programme supporting developing countries in the implementation of the IMO GHG Strategy. The Low Carbon GIA aims to bring together maritime industry leaders to support an energy efficient and low carbon maritime transport system, through identifying and developing innovative solutions to address common barriers to the uptake and implementation of energy efficiency technologies, operational best practices and alternative low- and zero-carbon fuels.
