ABS has become increasingly involved with wind propulsion over the last few years and released their guidelines for Wind Assisted Propulsion System Installation in June 2020.
ABS has announced today that it has joined the International Windship Association (IWSA), the not-for-profit organisation that promotes and helps facilitate the uptake of direct wind propulsion solutions for commercial shipping.
ABS has become increasingly involved with wind propulsion over the last few years and released their guidelines for Wind Assisted Propulsion System Installation in June 2020. This commitment to developing a robust wind propulsion segment has also manifested itself in ABS taking a lead role in the delivery of the WiSP initiative, a joint industry project established to help overcome barriers to the uptake of wind-assisted propulsion, improving prediction and validation methods and reviewing and recommending changes to the regulatory framework as these pertain to wind assist systems.
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Wind propulsion solutions
“Wind propulsion solutions are one of the key low hanging fruit when it comes to decarbonising shipping. Through our work with WiSP and other projects we are endeavouring to work closely with multiple stakeholders in the wind propulsion segment to help make it a robust and credible technology. Joining and working with IWSA and its members is the natural next step and we are
looking forward to continuing this voyage together,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering and Technology.
ABS’s membership announcement comes at a crucial period in the cycle of development for wind propulsion systems as it starts to emerge into the market as a propulsive solution that has significant advantages. As an energy source it is widely available around the world and doesn’t require any new infrastructure thus providing a significant source of zero-emissions propulsive energy for the commercial fleet.
Systems are increasingly becoming available and there is a strong pipeline of new systems under development and proven savings are already in 5-20% range with further optimisation to come. There are also a number of primary wind propulsion vessels that will likely enter the fleet in the next couple of years.
We are delighted
eBlue_economy_Gavin Allwright
“We are delighted to welcome ABS onboard and the team there bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the association. IWSA is a member driven organisation and the membership is looking forward to working alongside ABS on the various wind propulsion projects going forward.” commented Gavin Allwright, IWSA Secretary General
With the number of large wind-assisted vessels entering double figures in 2020, and covering multiple segments of the shipping industry from tankers and bulkers though to ferry/cruise, RoRo’s and general cargo vessels, the scene seems increasingly set for a wind-assisted transition ahead.
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ABS:
ABS is a leading provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design, construction and operation.
Focused on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, ABS works with industry and clients to develop cost-effective compliance, optimized performance and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.
As a leading class society, ABS has a commitment to support, promote and develop sustainability oriented technologies and measures for the Marine and Offshore industry. Wind Assisted and Wind Powered vessels are one of the drivers towards achieving sustainable operations and reducing GHG emissions reductions set by the IMO. Wind Assist Guidelines (June 2020) : PDF download
IWSA
IWSA is a member driven, not-for-profit association made up of over 130 wind propulsion technology supplier and ship development projects ,designer ,naval architects , engineers, academics ,NGO,S and seafarers with five main areas of activity : Network development , Policy ,Education ,Communications and Facilitation
