Hapag-Lloyd Utilizes Yacht Racing for Research on Wind-Assisted Propulsion

Hapag-Lloyd is collaborating with a world-class racing yacht team to explore the potential of sails for wind-assisted propulsion on its containerships. This project, which began in early 2023, aims to demystify wind propulsion and determine its financial viability for container shipping. While some segments of shipping have embraced wind-assisted propulsion, containerships have lagged due to the need to maximize cargo capacity.

The company is working with Boris Herrmann and Team Malizia, who set a world record for monohull vessel distance traveled. They have completed the first phase of the project, focusing on the conceptual design of a 4,500 TEU ship. Hapag is also examining alternative fuels to maximize efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. In the second phase of the research, they are using computer simulations to study the ship’s behavior in different weather conditions and how much fuel could be saved.

Hapag is also considering historical weather data for shipping routes and the changing cost of alternative fuels. They believe that wind-assisted propulsion could be beneficial in the near term due to high fuel costs, but the economic profile might change in the future. The company aims to gather quantifiable data on wind-assisted propulsion to inform its next steps.

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