In 2024, the wind-assisted ship propulsion segment saw significant growth, with 54 large ships in operation and seven more designated as wind-ready. The International Windship Association (IWSA) reported that globally, there are four primary wind vessels, with an orderbook of 80 ships and 30-40 more expected for 2026 and 2027. Wind propulsion is gaining popularity in shipping due to its status as a free energy source, offering potential savings and environmental benefits.
At the Wind Ship Day 2024 event in Hamburg, Gavin Allwright, Secretary General of IWSA, emphasized the importance of using wind energy for maritime decarbonization. The IWSA forecast predicts around 10,000 ships with wind propulsion by 2030 and up to 40,000 by 2050. Allwright also stated that wind could cover the cost of decarbonization by 2050. Wind propulsion systems harness wind energy directly for propulsion, with two main methods: assisted propulsion and main propulsion based on the ship’s reliance on wind power.
In terms of regulations, 2025 is expected to be a prosperous year for the development of wind ship propulsion. The EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation offers significant rewards for ships with wind-assisted propulsion technologies, such as kites or rotor sails. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is also urged to revise the Carbon Index Indicator (CII) to support wind ship propulsion and establish ambitious measures for decarbonization. IWSA has proposed amendments to include wind energy in calculating Greenhouse Gas Fuel Intensity (GFI) to promote equitable accounting of emissions intensity.
