Experts Explore Wind Propulsion and Maritime Technology as a Climate Solution
Wind propulsion technology is gaining traction as a viable climate solution for the maritime industry, moving beyond novelty status. However, wider adoption depends on addressing regulatory clarity, securing reliable performance data, and establishing cohesive commercial frameworks. These insights emerged during a recent MarRI-UK webinar titled “Wind Propulsion Technology & the Maritime Market,” held on December 12, 2025. The event featured industry leaders including Diane (Di) Gilpin, founder and CEO of Smart Green Shipping (SGS); Frank Hendrikse, Manager of the Tanker Department at Norway’s Hagland Shipbrokers; and Camille Bourgeon from the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) environment division. Chaired by John Hudson, the discussion covered a broad spectrum: from practical considerations like crew reactions and retrofit challenges, to the regulatory and financial hurdles facing wind propulsion technologies.
Navigating Regulatory Uncertainty amid IMO Delays
Panelists highlighted the impact of the recent postponement of the IMO’s Net Zero Framework (NZF), which has injected uncertainty into investment decisions throughout the maritime sector. The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) adjourned its extraordinary session for a year in October 2025, continuing work in the interim but leaving the market in a state of flux.
Camille Bourgeon acknowledged the consequences of this adjournment, emphasizing the importance of a global regulatory framework. Frank Hendrikse warned that fragmented regional rules could fracture the global maritime market, urging a swift return to worldwide consensus to facilitate confident planning by shipowners and financiers.
“The MEPC outcome is unfortunate, and the worst-case scenario is that regional markets and countries start having their own rules and restrictions. World shipping is a global business, so IMO regulations are very important. We sincerely hope this is only a short delay and that we can continue our work,” Hendrikse said.
Defining Wind’s Role in Emissions Metrics
A key discussion point was how wind propulsion technologies should be integrated into the IMO’s emerging greenhouse gas metrics, particularly the Global Fuel Indicator (GFI) being developed under the NZF. Camille Bourgeon described the GFI as the appropriate vehicle to incorporate wind technologies but stressed the need for technical deliberations to ensure the metric remains technology-neutral and accurately reflects wind’s contribution.
Di Gilpin argued that wind propulsion should not be narrowly categorized as merely an “energy efficiency” measure. Instead, she stressed that wind represents a primary energy source.
“If you talk about energy efficiency, there’s a lower level of appetite [from investors]. If you talk about primary energy transition, it’s more attractive to investors,” Gilpin noted.
The panel further advocated for technical work on life-cycle assessments (LCA) to guarantee consistent and credible measurement of wind solutions. They encouraged active industry participation in ongoing GFI and LCA guideline developments.
Building Trust Through Data and Validation
A recurring theme was the necessity for independent, standardized validation to overcome skepticism fueled by past exaggerated claims regarding fuel savings. Panelists agreed that overpromising has been a significant impediment to market confidence.
Di Gilpin shared Smart Green Shipping’s innovative approach, which leverages digital twins and International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC)-aligned sea trials to validate predictive models. SGS’s methodology enables guaranteeing fuel-saving performance, underpinning commercial arrangements like leases and performance guarantees that transfer lifetime risk away from shipowners.
Meanwhile, Bourgeon highlighted IMO’s efforts to enhance measurement guidance and called for greater data sharing among regulators, owners, and charterers to foster confidence in wind propulsion technologies.
Industry Segments, Retrofits, and Crew Acceptance
Wind propulsion is being trialed across various maritime sectors, though adoption varies by vessel type. Frank Hendrikse suggested that tankers and smaller dry bulk carriers, which offer more flexible deck space and cargo operations, are promising early candidates for wind retrofit technologies. Conversely, large containerships face significant packaging and operational challenges, although feeder vessels and kite systems have seen trials.
The discussion also compared retrofitting existing vessels versus integrating wind technology into newbuilds. Retrofitting is limited by existing ship geometries, complicating installation and optimization.
Looking Ahead
As the maritime industry contends with decarbonization imperatives, wind propulsion offers a promising route to reduce emissions. However, experts emphasize that successful integration requires global regulatory alignment, transparent performance measurement, and commercially viable models that de-risk shipowner investments. Industry stakeholders are encouraged to engage actively with ongoing IMO initiatives to shape frameworks that recognize wind propulsion’s full potential in the energy transition.
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