Wind-assisted propulsion

Wind-assisted propulsion is the practice of decreasing the fuel consumption of a merchant vessel through the use of sails or some other wind capture device.

A key barrier for the implementation of any decarbonisation technology and in particular of wind-assisted ones, is frequently discussed in the academia and the industry is the availability of capital.

[5][6] The mechanical means of converting the kinetic energy of the wind into thrust for a ship is the subject of much recent study.

Taking into account these design criteria, three main concepts have emerged as the leading designs for wind-assisted propulsion: the “Wing Sail Concept,” the “Kite Sail,” and the “Flettner Rotor.” As a result of rising oil prices in the 1980s, the US government commissioned a study on the economic feasibility of using wind assisted propulsion to reduce the fuel consumption of ships in the US Merchant Marine.

The wingsail option studied consisted of an automated system of large rectangular solid sails supported by cylindrical masts.

This system also allows a large amount of automation, using computer controls to determine the ideal kite angle and position.

[10] Examples of 2018 Flettner rotor installations include : The efficiency gains of these three propulsion assistance mechanisms are typically around 15–20% depending on the size of the system.