Wind propulsion is poised to play a significant role in decarbonising the maritime industry, but regulatory gaps are stalling its broader adoption, according to Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore’s (BV) newly released Wind Propulsion Technology Report. While the technology holds promise for reducing emissions, the report highlights that the absence of specific international regulations is a major barrier to scaling up wind propulsion systems across the shipping sector.

The report provides a comprehensive overview of available wind propulsion technologies and their viability in modern shipping. It also details key challenges preventing widespread adoption, with regulatory uncertainty being one of the most pressing concerns. Currently, wind propulsion systems are subject to the same rules and regulations as traditional engine-based systems, meaning there is no clear framework for evaluating their contribution to reducing carbon emissions.

Despite the maritime industry’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions, wind propulsion technologies have yet to be fully recognised by international regulatory bodies such as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). According to BV, this lack of regulation undermines confidence among shipowners and operators, who are hesitant to invest in wind propulsion without assurance that these systems will help them comply with current and future emissions standards.