A new global study shows that wind propulsion can significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions in shipping.
According to the findings, the technology could reduce fuel use by 6.3–9.4% and deliver total emissions savings of up to 762 million tonnes of CO2 by 2050.
The analysis is based on 1.74 billion km of real vessel voyage data, making it one of the most comprehensive studies in the sector.
The key conclusion is that the main barrier is not technology, but lack of policy support and incentives.
Modeling suggests that by 2050, wind propulsion could cut annual emissions by around 7.8%, equivalent to removing about 170 million cars from the roads.
It is also noted that around 17% of the largest vessels (mainly bulk carriers and tankers) could deliver up to 50% of the total emissions reduction potential.
Despite its strong potential, without active support, wind propulsion may contribute only about 0.2% of total emissions reduction by 2050.
The report calls for stronger regulation, limits on market-based mechanisms, and direct funding for fleet retrofitting, particularly in developing countries.
