TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING and OceanWings have successfully installed a rigid wingsail on the Ultramax bulk carrier MARIA TOPIC, marking a significant advancement in the adoption of wind-assisted propulsion in commercial shipping. The retrofit, completed in Japan, allows the vessel to return to service, showcasing the feasibility of integrating innovative technologies into existing fleets.
This project illustrates how retrofitting can effectively reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in maritime operations. By upgrading the MARIA TOPIC, the collaboration emphasizes the potential impact of such solutions on the broader shipping industry.
OceanWings and Topic plan to present initial operational insights at SMM Hamburg in September 2026, offering valuable data on the vessel’s performance in commercial use.
The retrofit was supported by the European WHISPER (Wind Energy Harvesting for Ship Propulsion Assistance and Power) project, which is funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe program. WHISPER unites 13 partners from six European countries to develop modular retrofit solutions that combine wind-assisted propulsion with renewable energy systems, aiming to accelerate the decarbonization of commercial shipping.
