Imagine if modern cargo ships could use high-tech sails to let the wind do the heavy lifting, similar to how old sailing ships worked but with computer precision. This work creates a blueprint for building ships where the hull and the sails are designed together to work perfectly. It also includes a smart system that tells the crew how to manage energy to get the most out of the wind.
Conventional ships cannot simply add sails to save fuel without losing efficiency or earnings. There is a need for a total redesign of the ship and its operation to achieve significant carbon reductions.
Design workflows for wind-assisted ships, an energy management system for crews, and detailed designs for three vessel types using rotor sails, oceanwings, and solid sails.
If you are a bulk carrier operator dealing with high fuel costs and emission limits — this project developed rotor sail configurations and design workflows that can help reduce energy consumption by more than 30%.
If you are a tanker fleet owner dealing with strict carbon neutrality targets — this project developed oceanwing sail designs and energy management tools to lower the carbon footprint of liquid transport.
If you are a passenger vessel operator dealing with the need for greener tourism — this project developed solid sail designs and bridge simulations to ensure safe and efficient wind-assisted sailing.
The project aims for combined savings that go beyond 30% by combining wind propulsion with optimized ship design and operation.
The project is developing concept and detailed designs for three specific vessel types: bulk carriers, tankers, and passenger vessels, using numerical models and full-scale tests.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not listed, but the consortium includes 9 industry partners who are developing the systems.
Industry partners highlighted concerns regarding cargo handling and port manoeuvring, which are being addressed through bridge simulator tests.
The project period runs from June 1, 2022, to May 31, 2025.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven with a 56% industry ratio, comprising 16 partners across 7 countries. With 9 industry players including major names like Wartsila, Euronav, and Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the project is strongly aligned with commercial maritime needs rather than just academic research.
Contact Stichting Maritiem Research Instituut Nederland (MARIN)
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