The application of wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPSs) across a variety of vessel types is nearing a “tipping point” with deployment likely to increase rapidly, according to a new study from Lloyd’s Register. The British classification society is warning however that the lack of standardisation for verifying fuel savings and concerns about equipment availability need to be addressed. With the industry close to achieving 100 installations and the orderbook reflecting the diversity of vessel types employing WAPSs, along with increasingly substantial deployments as technologies move beyond prototype and pilot phases, the absence of a standard for verifying potential fuel savings is creating uncertainty for operators looking to select solutions, the authors of the 43-page report maintain. With wind propulsion deployment likely to increase rapidly, driven by growing shipyard and operator familiarity with solutions, scaling up the supply chain to meet expected demand is a potential challenge, LR stated. The report also points to the need for a wider base of shipyards with installation capabilities to meet expected demand, with only around 16 yards to date having carried out wind-related retrofits. LR data shows there were 29 wind tech installations between 2018 and 2023 and 72 in the orderbook. Gavin Allwright, secretary of the International Windship Association, commented: “There is a perfect storm brewing when it comes to reducing GHG emissions in shipping. New regulations, price challenges for existing and new fuels along with the growing pressure from cargo owners to reduce scope three emissions. These are driving the deployment of wind propulsion technologies, both as wind-assist and primary wind, retrofit and newbuild, however these systems need to be robust, safe and validated in order to build trust in the market and lay the foundation for scaling these across the fleet.” googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1_95_0_1_2'); }); TagsUnited Kingdom