Open AccessWind assisted propulsion: Economic and ecological considerations
Author(s) -
Karsten Hochkirch,
Volker Bertram
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
maritime technology and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2651-205X
DOI - 10.33175/mtr.2022.254498
Subject(s) - propulsion , wind power , fossil fuel , environmental science , marine propulsion , energy source , engineering , aeronautics , marine engineering , aerospace engineering , waste management , electrical engineering
Wind propulsion is well known and has propelled ships for millennia. However, with the advent of fossil-fuel powered ships, wind energy lost its importance for cargo transport almost 100 years ago. Rising fuel prices and a society being more aware of the consequences of CO2 emissions fuels the revitalization of this energy source and a variety of wind assisted propulsion systems are on the market today. Key factors for success of wind assisted propulsion are discussed and a case study for a multipurpose vessel is used as illustration.