EU project backs wind propulsion

Launched in Brussels, the AWESOME (Advanced Wind Energy System Optimisation & Monitoring for Efficiency) project is funded through Horizon Europe and coordinated by Kongsberg Maritime with the support of 14 partners spanning the maritime industry and research sector.

The project will address technical, operational and regulatory barriers that continue to limit the widespread deployment of wind-assisted propulsion technologies.

“Wind assisted propulsion is one of the most attractive pathways to compliant, cost-effective shipping,” said Kjerstin Kleyne Braaten, senior vice president emerging solutions at Kongsberg Maritime.

“We believe AWESOME represents a major step forward in scaling this technology.”

The project will evaluate how wind propulsion systems integrate with onboard automation and control systems under real operating conditions while supporting compliance with FuelEU Maritime requirements and future International Maritime Organization regulations.

Two full-scale demonstrators will form the centrepiece of the programme. Odfjell will retrofit one of its chemical tankers with wind-assisted propulsion technology, while Neoline’s newbuild cargo vessel, Neoliner Origin, will demonstrate how the technology can be incorporated from the design stage. The 136-metre roll-on/roll-off vessel features 3,000 square metres of sail area and is expected to reduce fossil-fuel-related emissions by up to 80% compared with a conventional vessel of similar size.

“Wind-assisted propulsion is already delivering real results for Odfjell,” said Jan Opedal, manager projects at Odfjell.

“Through projects like AWESOME, we are building on our long-term efforts to reduce emissions by turning operational experience into knowledge that can be scaled across the industry.”

The consortium expects the project to generate validated operational data, improve performance measurement standards and provide tools to help shipowners assess the commercial viability of wind-assisted propulsion while supporting broader industry uptake and regulatory development.