Anemoi Marine Technologies and Lloyd’s Register have released a new technical paper advocating for the alignment of wind propulsion performance verification methodologies. By bridging ITTC and DNV frameworks, the research provides a standardized approach to measuring real-world fuel savings for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS).
London | March 4, 2026 – In a move set to reshape the transparency of the green transition, Anemoi Marine Technologies and Lloyd’s Register (LR) have released a seminal technical paper advocating for a “unified bridge” between existing wind propulsion verification methodologies.
Presented on February 17 at the RINA Wind Propulsion 2026 conference, the research addresses a critical bottleneck in the maritime industry: the lack of a “like-for-like” comparison for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS). As shipowners face mounting pressure to decarbonize, the paper argues that the current fragmentation of performance data is stalling large-scale investment.
Bridging the Methodology Gap
The research centers on how Anemoi’s recently verified performance model can integrate with established industry frameworks. Currently, the industry relies on two primary, yet distinct, pillars:
- ITTC (International Towing Tank Conference): Focuses on short-term sea trials and initial performance prediction under controlled conditions.
- DNV Recommended Practice: Geared toward long-term, in-service performance monitoring over months or years of operation.
The new paper posits that Anemoi’s verification method, which was independently verified by LR in 2025, acts as the missing link. By measuring vessel data during active operation with WAPS toggled “on” and “off,” the system calibrates real-world forces against theoretical models. This allows for high-confidence fuel-saving predictions that reconcile short-term trial data with long-term operational reality.
Strengthening the Business Case
For bunkering and energy stakeholders, the implications are significant. The lack of standardized reporting has traditionally made it difficult for CFOs to approve the high CAPEX required for rotor sails or wing sails.
“Accurate measurement and prediction of the real savings made by vessels using WAPS is essential for giving confidence to ship owners and operators,” said Luke McEwen, Technical Director at Anemoi. “We are helping to guide the standardization efforts needed to ensure this market flourishes.”
Technical Deep Dive: The On/Off Calibration
The Anemoi process is notably technology-agnostic, meaning it can be applied to various vessel types and propulsion designs. By capturing data across diverse sea states and wind angles, the methodology isolates the “wind effect” from other variables like hull fouling or engine degradation.
| Feature | ITTC Guidelines | DNV Practice | Anemoi/LR Method |
| Focus | Short-term Sea Trials | Long-term In-service | Bridge/Calibration |
| Primary Use | Initial Verification | Performance Tracking | Predictive Accuracy |
| Data Source | Controlled Trials | Continuous Monitoring | Dynamic “On/Off” Testing |
Dr. Santiago Suarez de la Fuente, Ship Performance Manager at Lloyd’s Register Advisory, emphasized that verification is crucial for “Verification of performance assessment methodologies is a core part of LR’s mission to assure both safety and efficiency standards for maritime stakeholders—and particularly important in emerging sectors where processes have yet to be fully standardised. We are therefore delighted to partner with Anemoi once more to advance understanding of performance verification as the WAPS market matures.”
Market Outlook
As the shipping industry moves closer to the IMO’s 2030 and 2050 targets, wind propulsion is no longer viewed as a fringe experiment but a core pillar of fuel strategy. By aligning these technical “languages,” Anemoi and LR are effectively de-risking the technology for the global fleet.
The full technical paper is expected to serve as a roadmap for regulatory bodies to establish a formal international standard for WAPS performance reporting.
The Anemoi Marine Technologies: Reclaiming the Wind for the 21st Century
While the shipping industry spent the last century tethered to the fluctuations of the oil market, a London-based team of innovators was looking up. Anemoi Marine Technologies, Wind propulsion technology expert, has taken a 100-year-old concept, the Flettner Rotor, and weaponized it with modern materials science and AI-driven automation.
Rotor Sails the Science: The Magnus Effect
Anemoi’s Rotor Sails are not traditional “sails” in the sense of canvas and rigging. They are massive, spinning composite cylinders. When wind hits the spinning surface, it creates a pressure differential, low pressure in front, high pressure behind, known as the Magnus Effect. This generates a powerful forward thrust that pulls the ship through the water, allowing the main engines to throttle back.
Key Performance Metric: Anemoi’s technology can reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 5% to 30%, depending on the vessel type and route.
Three Pillars of Innovation
What sets Anemoi apart in a crowded “Green Tech” market is their focus on operational reality. They offer three distinct deployment systems:
- Fixed: Vertical towers for vessels with no height or cargo-access restrictions.
- Rail-Mounted: The rotors can slide along the deck to clear the way for massive port cranes.
- Folding: The towers “tuck away” to clear low bridges or air-draught restricted waterways.
Source: Anemoi Marine Technologies