WISP 4
Wind-assisted Ship Propulsion
Initiative
The WiSP series of Joint Industry Projects has built a strong reputation for delivering valuable results to the industry. Building on the success of its predecessors, WiSP 4 is now being launched. The project will focus on CFD benchmarking for aerodynamic and hydrodynamic performance assessment, full-scale validation of WASP performance, human-machine interaction, propeller-engine interaction, and the safe operation of vessels in moderate sea states.
BACKGROUND
Wind propulsion is steadily gaining momentum in the maritime industry. By mid-2026, approximately 107 commercial vessels were equipped with wind propulsion systems, while a further 16 vessels had been designed as wind-ready. As manufacturers continue to increase both production capacity and unit size, the adoption of wind-assisted propulsion is expected to accelerate significantly in the coming years. Current experience shows that wind propulsion can typically deliver overall fuel and greenhouse gas emission reductions of around 5% to 15%. In addition, several pioneering projects are underway in which wind-assisted systems provide a substantial share of the vessel's propulsive power.
This rapid pace of development highlights the growing need for reliable performance validation, safe operational practices, and industry-wide standards. Building on the success of the previous WiSP, WiSP 2, and WiSP 3 Joint Industry Projects, the WiSP 4 Joint Industry Project will commence in 2027.
Time schedule and ORGANISATION
The kick-off meeting will be held in November 2026 in conjunction with the Vessel Operator Forum
(https://vesseloperatorforum.com/) in Trondheim, Norway. During this meeting, the project participants will review, discuss, and finalize the detailed scope and work plan for WiSP 4.
The project is scheduled to run for a period of two years, during which a range of collaborative research activities will be carried out to support the further development and adoption of wind-assisted ship propulsion technologies.
Initiated by MARIN, in partnership with the International Wind Ship Association (IWSA) and a large group of industry stakeholders, WiSP 4 seeks to accelerate the uptake of wind-assisted ship propulsion. The project will focus on addressing key technical and operational challenges through collaborative research, validation, and knowledge sharing.
(https://vesseloperatorforum.com/) in Trondheim, Norway. During this meeting, the project participants will review, discuss, and finalize the detailed scope and work plan for WiSP 4.
The project is scheduled to run for a period of two years, during which a range of collaborative research activities will be carried out to support the further development and adoption of wind-assisted ship propulsion technologies.
Initiated by MARIN, in partnership with the International Wind Ship Association (IWSA) and a large group of industry stakeholders, WiSP 4 seeks to accelerate the uptake of wind-assisted ship propulsion. The project will focus on addressing key technical and operational challenges through collaborative research, validation, and knowledge sharing.
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 unsteady effects such as 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 maneuverability and stability The present IMO regulations do not address application of wind propulsion systems.
- Improved sea trial verification standards EEDI approval standards and general performance validation 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 considerationswill 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 WiSP 4 Joint Industry Project is relevant to a wide range of organisations across the global maritime industry, including wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) suppliers, design offices, shipyards, shipowners, ship operators, classification societies, research institutes, and universities.
Example voyage simulation tracks with optimized routes (and speeds)