AWESOME project to cut emissions and fuel costs via WAPS

Wind assisted propulsion can cut fuel use and emissions, but shipowners still need reliable data before investing at scale. With EU support, a new European initiative will help close that gap through full scale demonstrations, verified data and decision support tools.

AWESOME, the new EU project launched in Brussels last June, will provide shipowners with verified performance data, practical tools and standardised methods for assessing wind assisted propulsion. The aim is to reduce uncertainty, lower investment risk and accelerate the use of cost-effective emission reduction solutions in shipping.

Led by Kongsberg Maritime and supported by 14 partners across Europe, the Horizon Europe-funded project brings together industry and research to support the transition to low- and zero-emission shipping. AWESOME tackles technical, operational and regulatory barriers that still limit wider deployment of wind propulsion.

AWESOME will test how wind propulsion can be integrated with onboard systems, control and automation in real operating conditions. The work will support compliance with frameworks such as FuelEU Maritime and future IMO standards, while helping shipowners reduce fuel consumption before relying on more costly low carbon fuels.

About the project

AWESOME (Advanced Wind Energy System Optimisation & Monitoring for Efficiency) brings together 15 leading European partners spanning the full maritime value chain. This broad partnership supports an end-to-end approach, from design and simulation to onboard control, crew training, performance verification and market uptake. The project is supported by ~ 9 million Euro from Horizon Europe.

MARIN is one of the research partners. For more information read the AWESOME press release below or contact Rogier Eggers.