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A Comeback of Wind Power in Shipping: An Economic and Operational Review on the Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion Technology

Author

Listed:
  • Todd Chou

    (Hapag-Lloyd Center for Shipping and Global Logistics (CSGL), Kühne Logistics University, Großer Grasbrook 17, 20457 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Vasileios Kosmas

    (Hapag-Lloyd Center for Shipping and Global Logistics (CSGL), Kühne Logistics University, Großer Grasbrook 17, 20457 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Michele Acciaro

    (Hapag-Lloyd Center for Shipping and Global Logistics (CSGL), Kühne Logistics University, Großer Grasbrook 17, 20457 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Katharina Renken

    (Hapag-Lloyd Center for Shipping and Global Logistics (CSGL), Kühne Logistics University, Großer Grasbrook 17, 20457 Hamburg, Germany)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Todd Chou & Vasileios Kosmas & Michele Acciaro & Katharina Renken, 2021. "A Comeback of Wind Power in Shipping: An Economic and Operational Review on the Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion Technology," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:1880-:d:496481
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Nizar, Irfan & Amarasena, Sudath Manjula & Priyantha Lalanie, P., 2025. "Steering towards carbon neutral transportation practices: A comprehensive analysis of the challenges confronting the shipping industry in Sri Lanka," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 215(C).
    3. Seyedvahid Vakili & Mustafa Insel & Sukhjit Singh & Aykut Ölçer, 2025. "Decarbonizing Domestic and Short-Sea Shipping: A Systematic Review and Transdisciplinary Pathway for Emerging Maritime Regions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-51, August.
    4. Tino Vidović & Jakov Šimunović & Gojmir Radica & Željko Penga, 2023. "Systematic Overview of Newly Available Technologies in the Green Maritime Sector," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-26, January.
    5. Wang, Zhuang & Chen, Li & Huang, Lianzhong & Wang, Kai & Ma, Ranqi & Wang, Bin, 2025. "A novel multivariable coupling optimization method of wind-assisted propulsion system for a large crude carrier," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 322(C).
    6. Monica Grosso & Fabio Luis Marques dos Santos & Konstantinos Gkoumas & Marcin Stępniak & Ferenc Pekár, 2021. "The Role of Research and Innovation in Europe for the Decarbonisation of Waterborne Transport," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-21, September.
    7. Wang, Kai & Li, Zhongwei & Liu, Xing & Hu, Zhiqiang & Huang, Lianzhong & Song, Qiushi & Liang, Hongzhi & Jiang, Xiaoli, 2025. "Wind-assisted propulsion system for shipping decarbonization: Technologies, applications and challenges," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 336(C).

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