The return of Wind Power - a promising solution to decarbonise in shipping.
A Comeback of Wind Power in Shipping: An Economic and Operational Review on the Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion Technology. Todd Chou, Vasileios Kosmas, Michele Acciaro, and, Katharina Renken relook at the data to confirm and remind us what we know about Wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) technology as a sustainable model to decarbonisation in shipping. A study that the public and private sector will need to know to move forward. Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 1880; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041880
Abstract
Wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) technology seems to be a promising solution toward accelerating the shipping industry’s decarbonization efforts as it uses wind to replace part of the propulsive power generated from fossil fuels. This article discusses the status quo of the WASP technological growth within the maritime transport sector by means of a secondary data review analysis, presents the potential fuel-saving implications, and identifies key factors that shape the operational efficiency of the technology. The analysis reveals three key considerations. Firstly, despite the existing limited number of WASP installations, there is a promising trend of diffusion of the technology within the industry. Secondly, companies can achieve fuel savings, which vary depending on the technology installed. Thirdly, these bunker savings are influenced by environmental, on-board, and commercial factors, which presents both opportunities and challenges to decision makers.
