The calculations made for IMO efficiency regulations are theoretical and generic, so work is continuing to provide shipowners with a means of accurately measuring energy savings from wind-assist technologies in practice, but confidence is growing nonetheless.

Global provider of mechanical sails Norsepower has continued to call for the publication of third party verified performance information to build confidence in the market for wind-assist technology. “Everyone knows wind is variable; you can never trust the wind to be consistent,” says Chief Sales Officer, Jukka Kuuskoski. But by publishing actual operational data demonstrating the fuel-saving value of the equipment, OEMs can help build industry confidence that takes this uncertainty into account, at least for specific vessels and operational profiles.

However, as the ABS and MARIN-led WiSP project ascertained, the savings are usually predicted based on calculations whose assumptions and conditions vary wildly amongst publications.