Wind-powered cargo capacity surpasses one million dwt

Currently, 21 large commercial vessels have wind propulsion systems installed onboard representing over 1 million dwt of cargo carrying capacity. By the end of this year, the International Windship Association (IWSA) estimates that wind propulsion technology will be installed on around 25 large commercial vessels, representing 1.2 million dwt.

Based on public announcements and shipyard orders made to-date, IWSA also estimates that by the end of 2023, up to 50 large ships will be making use of wind with a combined tonnage of over 3 million dwt.

In addition to the fleet of large commercial ships sailing with wind propulsion technology installed, 10 small cruise ships currently use traditional soft sail technology representing a further 50,000 Gross Register Tonnage (GRT). There are also a growing number of smaller vessels (under 400 GRT) using wind propulsion technology.

Gavin Allwright, IWSA Secretary General, says: “Wind propulsion technologies are proven to save 5-20% in fuel use and associated emissions when used as wind-assist on motor vessel profiles. The savings potential is even higher for vessels that use primary wind technologies to achieve much higher levels of propulsive energy sourced from wind. This makes wind power a valuable pathway to reducing the emissions of the international shipping industry immediately and over the longer-term. It also offers the potential for enabling a substantial reduction in the carbon intensity of the whole fleet.”