BV seeks regulatory clarity for wind propulsion

The report provides a comprehensive overview of available wind propulsion technologies and their viability in modern shipping. It also details key challenges preventing widespread adoption, with regulatory uncertainty being one of the most pressing concerns. Currently, wind propulsion systems are subject to the same rules and regulations as traditional engine-based systems, meaning there is no clear framework for evaluating their contribution to reducing carbon emissions.

Despite the maritime industry’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions, wind propulsion technologies have yet to be fully recognised by international regulatory bodies such as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). According to BV, this lack of regulation undermines confidence among shipowners and operators, who are hesitant to invest in wind propulsion without assurance that these systems will help them comply with current and future emissions standards.

“Current international regulations do not cater for propulsion systems that don’t burn fuels,” said Aude Leblanc, technology leader for sustainable shipping at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore. “Without international regulation, there is little incentive for industry actors to invest in wind propulsion technology.”

Although initiatives like the European Union’s FuelEU Maritime regulation have begun to acknowledge wind propulsion as a viable decarbonisation tool, the report stresses that global regulatory alignment is essential for driving adoption at scale. Until international regulations clearly define the role of wind propulsion in emissions reduction, industry stakeholders remain reluctant to commit to large-scale investments in the technology.

Beyond the regulatory vacuum, concerns about the safety and performance of wind propulsion systems also contribute to the slow pace of adoption. BV is actively working to address these concerns by developing rules for wind propulsion systems and creating notations such as WIND PROPULSION-1 and WIND PROPULSION-2 to standardise their safety and performance.

In addition, collaborative industry efforts like the WISP3 project aim to establish consistent performance prediction standards, providing much-needed confidence to shipowners and operators that wind propulsion systems will not adversely impact vessel performance.

The path forward

While the regulatory landscape for wind propulsion remains uncertain, Bureau Veritas’ report outlines the growth potential of wind propulsion technologies as part of the maritime industry’s broader decarbonization strategy. Pierre de Chateau Thierry, vice president and chief commercial officer at BV, emphasised the importance of collaboration between industry players and regulatory bodies to unlock this potential.

“The maritime industry has made significant strides in adopting new technologies to reduce emissions, and wind propulsion holds great promise. At Bureau Veritas, we’re committed to facilitating this transition as the industry continues its decarbonisation journey,” said Thierry.

The report makes it clear that without targeted regulatory support and standardised safety frameworks, the adoption of wind propulsion will remain limited. As the shipping industry continues to seek solutions to meet global emissions targets, establishing clear regulations for wind propulsion will be a critical step toward realising its potential as a zero-emissions technology.