A Comeback of Wind Power in Shipping: An Economic and Operational Review on the Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion Technology

Todd Chou, Vasileios Kosmas, Michele Acciaro and Katharina Renken
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Todd Chou: Hapag-Lloyd Center for Shipping and Global Logistics (CSGL), Kühne Logistics University, Großer Grasbrook 17, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
Vasileios Kosmas: Hapag-Lloyd Center for Shipping and Global Logistics (CSGL), Kühne Logistics University, Großer Grasbrook 17, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
Michele Acciaro: Hapag-Lloyd Center for Shipping and Global Logistics (CSGL), Kühne Logistics University, Großer Grasbrook 17, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
Katharina Renken: Hapag-Lloyd Center for Shipping and Global Logistics (CSGL), Kühne Logistics University, Großer Grasbrook 17, 20457 Hamburg, Germany

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 4, 1-16

Abstract: Wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) technology seems to be a promising solution toward accelerating the shipping industry’s decarbonization efforts as it uses wind to replace part of the propulsive power generated from fossil fuels. This article discusses the status quo of the WASP technological growth within the maritime transport sector by means of a secondary data review analysis, presents the potential fuel-saving implications, and identifies key factors that shape the operational efficiency of the technology. The analysis reveals three key considerations. Firstly, despite the existing limited number of WASP installations, there is a promising trend of diffusion of the technology within the industry. Secondly, companies can achieve fuel savings, which vary depending on the technology installed. Thirdly, these bunker savings are influenced by environmental, on-board, and commercial factors, which presents both opportunities and challenges to decision makers.

Keywords: wind-assisted ship propulsion; innovations in shipping; sustainable maritime solutions; green shipping (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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