05 September 2025
Consistent treatment of wind propulsion in the IMO Net-Zero Framework - ISWG-GHG 20/2/17 Submitted by IWSA (05 September 2025) DEVELOPMENT OF NEW AND/OR REVISION OF EXISTING GUIDELINES, PROVISIONS, GUIDANCE AND OTHER DOCUMENTS, AS APPROPRIATE, FOR SUPPORTING THE UNIFORM AND EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IMO NET-ZERO FRAMEWORK Executive summary: This document aims to help clarify the key elements of the IMO Net-Zero Framework as it pertains to direct wind propulsion energy in an effort to align those provisions with the core technology and energy pathway neutrality principles that are at the heart of IMO deliberations. To ensure consistent treatment of wind propulsion, the substantial losses sustained through the use of fuel oil/alternative fuel energy pathways should be considered in the attained GFI calculations so as to avoid overvaluing these energy sources within the formula and subsequently undervaluing the wind component. An approach to address this issue has been outlined in document MEPC 82/7/9 (ISWA). This submission also brings forward a series of pertinent issues relating to the same level-playing field principle to be considered when assessing and applying criteria for the issuance of IMO Net-Zero Fund reward allocations and the inclusive and balanced treatment of all energy sources based on their direct and indirect decarbonisation impact, co-benefits and other merits.
This document highlights and questions a series of baseline assumptions and considerations which will underpin sections of the proposed Fifth IMO GHG Study’s terms of reference (TOR) as discussed during ISWG-GHG 17 and in reference to document MEPC 83/7/2 (Secretariat) on the revision of the Secretariat’s preliminary analysis and proposed TOR. Careful consideration of the holistic approach to energy provision, technology readiness levels, emission profiles, emission forecasting and comparative analysis of energy solutions is crucial to ensure fair transition pathways. Furthermore, ensuring the use of the best possible available science, data and methodologies to guarantee valid outcomes is increasingly important as new technologies and previously little-researched energy sources are now becoming more mainstream. This submission is not a definitive appraisal based on wind propulsion energy provision but instead uses wind propulsion as an example of how these assumptions and approaches can severely impact the assessment of one particular technology basket, which will be applicable to other low and zero-emission energy sources, technologies and operational approaches.
14 December 2021
The purpose of this guidance is to assist manufacturers, shipbuilders, shipowners, verifiers and other interested parties relating to Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) of ships to treat innovative energy efficiency technologies for calculation and verification of the attained EEDI, in accordance with regulations 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 20 of Annex VI to MARPOL. Although the term EEDI only is used through the whole guidance, it applies to both the EEDI and the EEXI calculations, as applicable.
12 January 2024
This document presents the IWSA wind propulsion white paper compiled in the light of the recently adopted 2023 IMO strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships and the work underway on mid-term measures. The white paper delivers a detailed baseline assessment of wind propulsion technology (WPT) systems and outlines pathways underway for the dissemination and scaling of this technology segment. The content builds on the summary document MEPC 79/INF.21 (Comoros et al.) giving additional technology and policy context and a detailed macro and micro economic analysis of the benefits of following a wind-hybrid decarbonization pathway. These are supplemented by an updated market analysis and case studies covering numerous wind propulsion solutions. The report also delivers results from an IWSA initiated survey of industry stakeholder perspectives relating to wind propulsion uptake along with a detailed summary of barriers and drivers in the industry which help to inform the regulatory gap analysis and recommendations for further action. Submitted by Comoros, France, Solomon Islands and IWSA
