Page 152 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2024
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WAPS
WIND
PROPULSION
SYSTEMS
WILL REMAIN
COMPETITIVE
An interview with Gavin Allwright, ❶ The adoption of wind-assisted propul-
Secretary General sion systems has accelerated between
of the International Windship Association (IWSA)
2023 and 2024. How do you see the
by Manos Charitos industry transforming by 2030?
We have indeed seen a threefold increase in
installations over the last 12 months, with that
number now approaching 50 large vessels along
with an additional 10 wind-ready vessels in oper-
ation, which is equivalent to a capacity of over 3
million DWT. It is always difficult to predict the
future; nevertheless we anticipate an inflexion
point in the market in 2026, when we will start
to see a rapid uptake of our technology solutions.
This expectation aligns fairly closely with mar-
ket predictions from EU-funded research back in
2017, which predicts up to 10,700 installations in
the tanker and bulker markets by 2030. Numer-
ous levers are set to come into force around
that time, including the full implementation of
The Secretary General of the IWSA, the EU-ETS, the first year of FuelEU Maritime
Gavin Allwright, argues that wind in effect with its additional “Wind Reward Fac-
propulsion is a sustainable solution tor”, and a likely decision regarding some form of
that will remain relevant in the global technical measure (GFI/GFS) alongside a
long term, emphasising its unique carbon pricing mechanism from the IMO.
benefits. Mr Allwright underscores There is also a growing realisation in the market
that, as the industry transitions that we need to maximise existing measures,
toward more sustainable practices, such as energy efficiency measures, voyage opti-
wind propulsion can significantly misation, and wind propulsion, as the new fuels
contribute to decarbonisation are likely to be costly and the necessary infra-
efforts. structure will be limited until later in the 2030s.
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