WISP 4
Wind-assisted Ship Propulsion
Initiative
The WiSP Joint Industry Project sequels are well known for their success and based on the results of the preceding projects, WiSP 4 is about to start. WiSP 4 will focus on benchmarking CFD on aerodynamics, full scale validation of WASP performance, human interface, propeller engine matching and safe sailing in moderate sea states.
Background
Wind propulsion is steadily gaining traction. Mid 2026 there were about 107 commercial ships with wind propulsion and 16 vessels wind ready. Many makers are upscaling their production capacity and unit size, so growth is expected to accelerate thereafter. The current savings we see of the ships now being equipped with wind propulsion are roughly 5% - 15% overall fuel and greenhouse gas emission. Moreover, there are several projects underway delivering the majority of thrust from wind propulsion.
This rapid pace of development shows the increasing urgency for validation of performance predictions, safe operations and industry standards. The WiSP 4 Joint Industry Project will start in 2027, following-up successful Joint Industry Projects WiSP, WiSP 2 and WiSP3.
This rapid pace of development shows the increasing urgency for validation of performance predictions, safe operations and industry standards. The WiSP 4 Joint Industry Project will start in 2027, following-up successful Joint Industry Projects WiSP, WiSP 2 and WiSP3.
Time schedule and ORGANISATION
The WiSP 4 JIP is expected to run for a period of 2 years. The kick-off meeting will be organised in November 2026 during the VesselOperatorForum (Home - Vessel Operator Forum) in Trondheim, Norway. During this meeting the detailed scope will be discussed and defined. The project will take 2 years to complete.
The results are expected to be widely used for many years to come. The total participant fee is set as 15 k€ for SME and 25k€ for companies with >49 employees for early-bird participants. Late participants (after 1 January 2027) will encounter 25% higher participant fee. To start the project, at least 15 participants would be required. The scope of work will be confirmed during the kick-off meeting and based on the number of confirmed participants at that time.
The results are expected to be widely used for many years to come. The total participant fee is set as 15 k€ for SME and 25k€ for companies with >49 employees for early-bird participants. Late participants (after 1 January 2027) will encounter 25% higher participant fee. To start the project, at least 15 participants would be required. The scope of work will be confirmed during the kick-off meeting and based on the number of confirmed participants at that time.
Contact
Patrick Hooijmans
senior project manager | team leader
Scope of the project
- Full scale validation. Full scale on-board measurements are analysed and compared against prediction data. Results can be used for improved ITTC sea trials procedures.
- Further assessment on aerodynamics. Interaction effects, boundary layer effects and wind gust impacts are investigated in relation to performance and stability.
- Impact on propeller and engine operations. Engine load variations, especially for hybrid propulsion systems including CPP propellers may have an impact on the actual power and fuel savings .In case of sustained propeller unloading, pressure side cavitation on the propeller can occur.
- Numerical and sea trial verification method for manoeuvrability and stability. The present IMO regulations do not address application of wind propulsion systems.
- Improved EEDI sea trial verification standards. EEDI approval standards are required. Moreover, exemption standards need to be formulated in case of wind propulsion.
- Propose industry standards for laboratory tests on aerodynamics. By seeking collaboration with wind tunnels, develop standards for determining the performance of wind propulsion systems.
- Human factor. How to develop a decent training protocol to train the crew to operate efficiently.
- Impact of WASP controls and design considerations will be addressed. Focus will be on the impact of the WASP location as well as the WASP controls on the performance in operational conditions.
INTERESTED?
The project is of interest to many organisations in the maritime industry worldwide: WASP suppliers, design offices, shipyards, ship owners, ship operators, classification societies and universities.
WiSP 4 is initiated by MARIN, in cooperation with IWSA and together with a large number of WiSP 3 participants. WiSP 4 is open for new participants.
WiSP 4 is initiated by MARIN, in cooperation with IWSA and together with a large number of WiSP 3 participants. WiSP 4 is open for new participants.
Example voyage simulation tracks with optimized routes (and speeds)