Seas At Risk, an environmental NGO based in Brussels, has released a new report highlighting the significant economic and climate benefits of wind-assisted propulsion in global shipping. The Wind First! study shows that retrofitting sails on large, existing vessels can save shipping companies up to half a million US dollars annually in fuel costs, while reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 12%.
As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) prepares to meet in London from 31 March to 11 April to finalize measures for its greenhouse gas (GHG) strategy, the report reveals that wind-assisted propulsion is a readily available, cost-effective, and scalable solution that can help bridge the gap towards the IMO’s 2030 targets.
Wind-Assisted Propulsion: A Key to Achieving the IMO’s 2030 Goals
The study suggests that incorporating wind propulsion into the global shipping fleet would be crucial for achieving the IMO’s target of 5% zero and near-zero-emission energy uptake by 2030. Wind sails offer a much-needed solution to reduce GHG emissions while easing the transition to cleaner energy sources, minimizing reliance on e-fuels, which are still in development.
Policy Support at IMO Discussions
The upcoming IMO discussions are critical for shaping global maritime climate policies, and Seas At Risk is calling for wind propulsion to be at the center of these discussions. With policies on the table, such as a $150 carbon levy, a Fuels Standard that rewards wind-assisted propulsion, and an enhanced energy efficiency framework under the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), wind-assisted propulsion could play a vital role in reducing emissions across the industry.
Seas At Risk Calls for Wind to Be Central in Policy Discussions
Sian Prior, Shipping Policy Director at Seas At Risk, emphasized that the inclusion of wind-assisted propulsion in global policies is essential for decarbonization. “The upcoming IMO discussions are pivotal in shipping’s decarbonisation transition, and wind must be central to the solution,” said Prior. “It is a proven, readily available, and cost-effective technology that can help the global fleet meet the IMO’s 2030 energy targets and will only become more valuable as fuel costs are set to quadruple by 2040 with the shift to e-fuels.”
Anaïs Rios, Shipping Policy Officer at Seas At Risk, echoed Prior’s sentiment, highlighting the numerous benefits of wind technology. “Installing wind-assisted propulsion to the global shipping fleet is a win-win-win – delivering lower costs for the shipping sector, a smoother energy transition for global trade, and an immediate cut in emissions. Wind technology is ready and available now, and it must be recognized at the IMO as a necessary bridge towards sustainable, clean shipping.”
The IMO’s Revised GHG Strategy
In 2023, the IMO adopted a Revised GHG Strategy with ambitious goals for achieving zero emissions by 2050, including interim targets of 30% reduction by 2030 and 80% reduction by 2040. Additionally, the strategy calls for 5% of energy to come from zero or near-zero emissions by 2030. As governments work to negotiate policies that support these targets, wind-assisted propulsion is positioned as a key solution to meeting the IMO’s climate goals.
Policy Recommendations for Wind Technology
Seas At Risk is urging stronger policy measures to incentivize the use of wind-assisted propulsion, which include:
- Carbon Levy: Introducing a carbon levy of at least $150 per ton of CO2, with equitable revenue distribution, dedicated to developing and supporting wind-assisted propulsion technologies.
- Energy Efficiency: Aligning the existing Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) with the IMO’s Revised Strategy goals to enhance energy efficiency across the global fleet.
- Fuels Standard: Establishing a Fuels Standard that rewards the use of wind-assisted technologies, ensuring that the shipping industry is incentivized to adopt these proven solutions for decarbonization.
Conclusion
As the shipping industry faces the urgent need to cut emissions and costs, wind propulsion technology offers a practical, immediate, and climate-neutral solution that can help achieve significant reductions in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. With global shipping accounting for a large portion of carbon emissions, the incorporation of wind-assisted propulsion is vital in achieving the IMO’s 2030 and 2050 climate targets.
As the IMO prepares to finalize its policies, the support for wind propulsion as a core technology solution must be prioritized. The technology is available now, and its implementation could lead to a more sustainable and cost-effective future for the maritime sector.
About Seas At Risk
Seas At Risk is an environmental NGO based in Brussels, representing over 30 members from across Europe. The organization works to protect marine life and ecosystems by advocating for ambitious policies at both the European and international levels. With a focus on tackling human-induced threats to seas and oceans, Seas At Risk has been a powerful voice for marine protection for over 30 years. Its mission is to promote the sustainability and resilience of the oceans through strategic policy initiatives, research, and advocacy.
For more information about the Wind First! report and Seas At Risk’s ongoing work on maritime decarbonization, please contact the organization directly.
Source Seas At Risk