Maritime industry prepares for the implementation of FuelEU Maritime regulations on 1 January 2025, shipowners and operators face mounting pressure to adopt innovative solutions to meet stringent GHG (greenhouse gas) intensity reduction targets. The regulation requires ships above 5,000 GT operating in EU waters to cut their GHG intensity, beginning with a 2% reduction from 2025-2029, ramping up to an 80% reduction by 2050.
Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS): A Cost-Effective Compliance Tool
According to a recent DNV study, wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS), such as rotor sails, have emerged as one of the most cost-effective strategies for regulatory compliance. Rotor sails harness wind energy to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, offering shipowners significant advantages:
- Enhanced Well-to-Wake GHG Intensity Scores: Rotor sails directly reduce emissions, improving a vessel’s environmental performance.
- Regulatory Benefits: Ships equipped with rotor sails benefit from a 5% reward factor under FuelEU Maritime, easing compliance efforts.
- Cost Savings: Rotor sails enable annual savings that grow as emission requirements tighten, reducing reliance on more expensive compliance measures like alternative fuels.
Potential Impact of Rotor Sails on the Global Fleet
Anemoi’s research highlights the transformative potential of rotor sails:
- If installed on all suitable vessels, rotor sails could save 17 million tonnes of fuel and prevent the emission of 56 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.
- Ships equipped with rotor sails can generate compliance surpluses in the early years of FuelEU Maritime. These surpluses can be:
- Banked for future regulatory needs.
- Traded as compliance credits, creating additional revenue streams.
The Economic Advantage of Rotor Sails
The combination of rotor sails with other compliance strategies, such as biofuels, results in lower total costs compared to relying on alternative fuels alone. As emission reduction targets tighten, the economic appeal of wind propulsion will continue to grow.
Call to Action for Shipowners
Luke McEwen, Technical Director at Anemoi, emphasizes the urgency of adopting rotor sails, stating:
“Rotor sails offer shipowners a proven, commercially viable path to regulatory compliance while delivering measurable fuel savings.”
With the implementation of FuelEU Maritime imminent, shipowners must act swiftly to assess their compliance strategies. Rotor sails provide a proven, flexible, and cost-effective solution to decarbonization, aligning immediate benefits with long-term goals.
By investing in wind-assisted propulsion systems, the maritime industry can accelerate its decarbonization efforts while navigating the regulatory landscape effectively.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe
Source: CLEAN SHIPPING INTERNATIONAL
