Marine wind power consultancy launched

The new ‘Wind-Powered Ships’ team of consultants and naval architects will support the industry with independent guidance and assessment to cater for the rapidly growing demand for emissions-free propulsion.

“SSPA was a key player in investigating different wind propulsion systems – their advantages, disadvantages and expected savings leading up to our decision to invest,” said Rodrigo Bermelho, Shipping Technical Manager at Brazilian rotor sail company, Vale.

Wind expertise

High fuel prices and the International Maritime Organization’s policy framework on the reduction of GHG emissions continue to force ship owners and operators to reduce fuel consumption.

Wind has emerged over the years as one of the forerunners in renewable vessel technology.

Modern wind propulsion technologies have little in common with the canvas sails of old, and range from ‘Flettner-rotors’ over kites and suction sails to rigid sails that resemble vertical aircraft wings.

To develop and promote these increasingly complex designs, SSPA offers a range of services including business case and decision support, early stage EEXI and CII calculations, third party evaluations, voyage and routing simulations, sea trials and performance monitoring, risk assessments and crew training.

SSPA is a member of the International Windship Association (IWSA).