Denmark’s Cleanship Project Begins Real-Sea Testing Of Wind-Assisted Propulsion

In a major step toward sustainable shipping, Denmark’s Cleanship project has launched real-sea trials of wind-assisted propulsion on Uni-Tankers’ vessel Jutlandia Swan. The initiative, backed by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and led by the Danish Technological Institute, aims to assess how new technologies—like wingsails—can reduce maritime fuel consumption and emissions.

Cleanship Project: A National Push for Cleaner Shipping

Launched in 2024, the Cleanship project is a collaborative effort between public and private maritime stakeholders, including Uni-Tankers, Danish Shipping, Green Instruments, and the Mærsk McKinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping. With a grant of DKK 18 million (~$2.8 million) from the MUDP program, the project focuses on biofuels, energy-saving tech, and operational optimization.

The current installation of four VentoFoils (automated wingsails) on the Jutlandia Swan marks a key trial phase, aiming to validate wind-assisted propulsion in real-world scenarios.

Wingsails Put to the Test on Open Waters

Wingsails were chosen for their ability to harness wind power, particularly useful during open-sea voyages where wind can supplement engine power. The VentoFoils are designed to reduce engine load, improving fuel efficiency and cutting emissions without altering the ship’s main propulsion system.

The ship’s onboard monitoring system will track critical data like fuel consumption, engine load, speed, and weather conditions, helping researchers understand real-time performance and savings.

From Theory to Practice: Proving the Value of Wind Power

“This is a key milestone for the Cleanship project as we enter a new phase. By measuring this technology under real-sailing conditions, we can deliver valuable insights into the actual effects of energy-efficient solutions on vessels”, said Julie Tølbøl Rasmussen, Senior Project Manager at the Danish Technological Institute. She emphasized that real-sailing measurements will provide the shipping industry with practical, scalable insights into wind propulsion benefits.

Kristian Larsen, Technical Director at Uni-Tankers, added:

“Wind-assisted propulsion holds clear potential, but its real value depends on how well it is integrated into daily operations. We now have the opportunity to test how these sails perform at sea, what they mean for fuel efficiency, and how the crew can work with them in practice.”

The trial aims to test both technical efficiency and crew adaptability, providing holistic data to guide broader industry adoption.

By bringing wind-assisted propulsion out of simulation and into real operation, Denmark’s Cleanship project is laying the foundation for evidence-based emission reduction strategies. The trial aboard Jutlandia Swan may help shape the future of commercial shipping, proving that traditional forces like wind can still drive modern maritime innovation.