Industry Urged to Align on WAPS Verification Methods
Wind propulsion technology company Anemoi Marine Technologies and classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) have jointly released a technical paper urging the maritime sector to adopt a more consistent approach to verifying the performance of wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS), as reported by Ship & Bunker.
As Ship & Bunker notes, Anemoi highlighted that the industry currently relies on multiple distinct methodologies to quantify the fuel savings delivered by wind propulsion technologies. This fragmentation, the company stated, creates difficulties for shipowners attempting to compare outcomes across different systems and to build a clear business case for installing WAPS on their vessels.
Three Frameworks, Three Stages
The paper maps out how three separate verification approaches address different phases of the assessment process, according to Ship & Bunker’s reporting:
- ITTC (International Towing Tank Conference): Focuses on short-term verification conducted during sea trials
- DNV (classification society): Evaluates performance over extended in-service operations
- Anemoi’s own methodology: Connects real-time vessel operational data with performance forecasting models to generate more dependable predictions of fuel savings — a method that has previously been verified by LR
The paper does not position these frameworks as competing, but rather examines how Anemoi’s calibration approach sits alongside and complements the existing ITTC and DNV standards.
The Case for Reliable Measurement
Ship & Bunker reports that wind propulsion technology works by capturing wind energy to supplement conventional engine output, thereby reducing overall bunker fuel consumption. The technology’s compatibility with existing vessels as a retrofit solution has been a key driver of growing interest from the shipowning community.
Luke McEwen, Technical Director at Anemoi, underscored the importance of measurement precision in the adoption of these technologies. As quoted by Ship & Bunker, McEwen stated: “Accurate measurement and prediction of the real savings made by vessels using WAPS is essential for giving confidence to ship owners and operators who want to harness wind energy in order to reduce environmental impact and fuel costs.”
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
Article link: https://shipandbunker.com
Published: March 5, 2026
WORD COUNT: 318
CATEGORY: Wind Propulsion / Alternative Energy / Decarbonisation
