Challenge
IMO remains committed to reducing GHG emissions from international shipping and, as a matter of urgency, aims to phase them out as soon as possible, while promoting, in the context of this Strategy, a just and equitable transition.
The Challenge: A New Era for Shipping
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) guidelines now require emissions to be evaluated from production to end-use (well-to-wake), highlighting the need for truly sustainable solutions, not just at sea, but across the entire fuel chain.
The Solution: Wind Propulsion Technology
North Windships provides scalable wind propulsion solutions, tailored to the needs of forward-thinking shipowners and fleet managers. Designed for both primary propulsion and wind-assisted propulsion, our solutions offer significant fuel savings, GHG reduction, and compliance support in a tightening regulatory landscape.
North Windships supports end-to-end delivery, from feasibility assessments and system integration to performance optimisation, ensuring your fleet is ready for the green shipping era.
WHAT IS wind propulsion?
Wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) are gaining traction in shipping as a way to cut fuel use and emissions. By harnessing wind to generate aerodynamic force, they help power vessels more efficiently. As a free, zero-carbon energy source, wind can play a key role in reducing the industry’s environmental impact and supporting decarbonisation.
HISTORY OF SHIPPING
Throughout history, the story of global shipping has been one of the most compelling, which has shaped civilisations through ancient trade routes, powering empires, and evolving into today’s complex logistics networks. Now, as the industry looks to a more sustainable future, there’s a growing interest in revisiting traditional, wind-powered methods of transport.
ENVIRONMENTAL & ECONOMIC BENEFITS
Wind-powered ships offer numerous environmental and economic benefits for global trade. By harnessing clean, renewable energy, it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and underwater noise, whilst lowering reliance on fossil fuels. Economically, cutting fuel costs, help meet emissions regulations set by the IMO, reduce engine wear, and enhance brand reputation. With wind as a free, stable energy source, these ships offer a sustainable and future-proof solution for the maritime industry.
The Challenges of meeting net-zero
Meeting the IMO’s 2050 net-zero emissions target is challenging due to limited availability of green technologies, high costs of new fuels and ship upgrades, and a lack of global fuel infrastructure. Regulatory inconsistencies, the long lifespan of ships, operational risks, and difficulties in tracking emissions further complicate the transition.
North Windships meets the challenges head on
Energy and time efficiency solved
Designed for energy efficiency, modern wind systems reduce drag and enhance aerodynamics, allowing vessels to maintain steady speeds using less fuel. Whether for newbuilds or retrofits, wind propulsion is a time- and cost-efficient step toward meeting net-zero targets with minimal operational disruption.
Fuel costs solved
Retrofits can often be completed with minimal downtime, while newbuilds can incorporate wind propulsion as part of a hybrid strategy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and helping vessels meet IMO’s 2030 and 2050 carbon intensity goals.
With no fuel costs, low maintenance requirements, and a clear regulatory advantage, wind propulsion isn’t just sustainable, it’s smart business.
