How to Assess Wind Assisted Propulsion (WAPS): Balancing Costs, Benefits, and Practicalities

Wind assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) offer immense potential, but the decision to invest goes far beyond simply choosing a technology. A successful WAPS strategy requires a balance of financial, operational, and regulatory factors—all tailored to your fleet’s unique profile.

As Steen Jacobsen, Technical Director at Njord puts it: "The key to assessing WAPS lies in combining a clear financial business case with an operational feasibility study. By addressing regulatory incentives and fleet-specific constraints upfront, we ensure shipowners make decisions that deliver both immediate and long-term value."

At Njord, we’ve honed a proven approach to help shipowners navigate this complexity. Here’s what to consider when assessing WAPS for your fleet:

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1. Regulatory Alignment and Incentives

The regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly, with frameworks like FuelEU Maritime and the EU ETS driving the business case for WAPS.  

When evaluating WAPS, it’s essential to assess how the system will align with your vessels’ trading patterns and ensure they can qualify for maximum rewards.

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2. Vessel-Specific Feasibility

Every vessel has its potential constraints, from air draft limitations to operational patterns. In a recent case, we evaluated rotor sails, suction sails, and fixed-wing sails where air draft restrictions and tiltable vs non-tiltable solutions shifted the business case between the different solutions.

Understanding your fleet’s physical and operational constraints is critical to narrowing down the right technology.

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3. Operational and Financial ROI

WAPS success hinges on a realistic and holistic ROI calculation. Beyond fuel savings, regulatory benefits like FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS compliance can significantly impact payback timelines. What’s more, a thorough business case includes sensitivity analysis. By modelling best- and worst-case scenarios for fuel savings and trade routes, a clear picture of financial outcomes and risk mitigation can be made.

For several vessels we currently work on, we see sub-5-year ROI by combining regulatory rewards and optimised technology selection. ‍

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4. Supplier Relationships and Flexibility

Your choice of technology is only as good as the supplier behind it. Ensuring strong relationships with leading providers to secure cost-efficient installations and manage timelines effectively is a must.  

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5. Future-Proofing Your Investment

WAPS systems typically have a lifespan of 25 years, meaning their value extends well beyond the immediate ROI. Systems can often be reused or resold if vessels are retired early, adding long-term flexibility to the business case.

By integrating these factors into the initial assessment, you ensure your fleet benefits from both immediate savings and future adaptability.

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Making the Right Call

Assessing WAPS requires a multi-dimensional approach, combining regulatory insight, vessel-specific feasibility, and a long-term financial perspective. At Njord, we guide shipowners through this process, providing clear, actionable advice and managing complexities at every stage.

Are you ready to explore whether WAPS is right for your fleet? Let Njord help you make an informed, confident decision. Contact us to learn more.