DNV Introduces Recommended Practice For Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems

As the shipping industry moves toward sustainable but higher-cost fuels, Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) have gained traction, with 50 systems now in operation. These systems offer significant fuel savings and emissions reductions, supporting the transition to a greener maritime sector.

Key Developments

• DNV’s Leadership in WAPS

  • DNV was the first classification society to establish rules and standards for WAPS.

  • The new Recommended Practice (RP) provides a practical, verifiable methodology to assess WAPS performance.

• New On/Off Testing Framework

  • The RP introduces an on/off methodology:

    • Engaging and disengaging WAPS under similar conditions to measure performance.

    • Third-party verification ensures reliable and standardized data.

• Industry Collaboration & Public Consultation

  • Hans Anton Tvete, Business Development Manager at DNV Maritime, emphasizes the need for industry-wide collaboration and standardized data to build trust in WAPS.

  • DNV is inviting shipowners, operators, technology providers, academia, and regulators to provide feedback on the RP.

  • The public hearing is open until 6 May 2025 for comments and insights.

Driving the Future of Green Shipping

Johanna Tranell, WAPS Performance Assessment Lead at DNV Maritime, states:
“At DNV we have been working on WAPS installations for several years and were the first classification society to publish rules and standards to enable their deployment,”

By establishing clear guidelines and industry consensus, DNV’s Recommended Practice is set to accelerate the adoption of WAPS, contributing to a more energy-efficient and low-carbon shipping future.