The International Windship Association welcomes the recognition that wind propulsion is an important technology segment which it receives in the newly released EU Industrial Maritime Strategy, which has taken on board industry and wind propulsion sector input by recognising the importance of wind propulsion technology solutions as both a key zero emissions, zero energy cost pathway for commercial shipping and one that, in the reports words, states:

“[Wind-assisted propulsion] is an example of a technology that builds on strong European manufacturing expertise.”

This comes at a time where large wind installed commercial ships are nearing a total of 100 in operation, roughly 5 million dwt, along with a further dozen more wind-ready and another 120+ vessels in the pipeline under construction, on order or publicly announced.

The report continues that to support wind propulsion uptake; “…the Commission will work to refine the methodology for accounting wind propulsion energy and address regulatory gaps at EU and IMO level.”

IWSA and its membership are engaged with these policy areas and we look forward to working closely with the EU to ensure the adoption of mechanisms that appropriately value the significant zero emissions energy contribution that wind propulsion brings to the fleet and bringing the liquid/gaseous fuel-centric Fuel EU Maritime into line with the far more holistic and level-playing field, energy-centric methodology acknowledged at the International Maritime Organisation.

Press Release 

Full Report: communication_on_EU_industrial_maritime_strategy_3