Wind Ship Propulsion: A Look at the Developments in 2024

2024 was an exciting year in the ongoing development of the wind-assisted ship propulsion segment, with 54 large ships in operation and seven more designated as wind-ready. Globally, there are also four primary wind vessels, the International Windship Association (IWSA) revealed in January 2025.

The wind ship orderbook includes 80 ships with a further 30-40 in the pipeline for 2026 and 2027, showcasing the growing popularity of wind propulsion in shipping.

Wind ship propulsion is gaining traction in the industry as it harnesses wind energy as a free and abundant source of power for sustainable shipping practices. Gavin Allwright, Secretary General of IWSA, emphasized the importance of utilizing wind energy for maritime decarbonization.

According to IWSA’s forecast, there could be up to 10,000 ships worldwide with installed wind propulsion by 2030 and 40,000 ships by 2050, indicating a significant shift towards green shipping practices.

Wind Propulsion Technologies

Wind propulsion systems directly harness wind energy to generate propulsion thrust without additional intermediaries. Ships can utilize wind propulsion as either assisted propulsion or main propulsion, depending on the percentage of propulsive energy derived from wind.

Offshore Energy highlighted key wind propulsion-related articles that defined 2024, categorizing them based on auxiliary and main propulsion systems.

Regulatory Developments

The regulatory landscape in 2025 promises advancements for wind ship propulsion, with the EU implementing the FuelEU Maritime regulation offering incentives for ships with wind-assisted propulsion technologies. These technologies can contribute to compliance with emission reduction targets and reduce the reliance on expensive renewable fuels.

On a global scale, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is urged to revise the Carbon Index Indicator (CII) to accommodate wind ship propulsion and levy ambitious measures for decarbonization. IWSA proposed amendments to incorporate wind energy into the calculation of Greenhouse Gas Fuel Intensity (GFI), ensuring equitable accounting of wind energy in emissions balance.

Overall, 2024 marked significant progress in the adoption of wind ship propulsion technologies, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future for the maritime industry.