01NOV2019 - NEWS - EU-funded wind assisted propulsion project launches

The WASP (Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion) project has been officially approved and launched, backed by EUR 5.4 million (about $6 million) of EU funding.

The project brings together universities, wind-assist technology providers and ship owners to research, trial and validate the operational performance of a selection of wind propulsion solutions.

The aim is to enable wind propulsion technology market penetration and contributing to a greener North Sea transportation system through harvesting the region’s abundant wind potential.

Danitsja van Heusden-van Winden, Netherlands Maritime Technology Foundation and WASP project leader said: “We’re delighted to be able to commence the WASP project and we are thrilled and looking forward to being able to test the wind propulsion systems on different types of vessels, routes and sea conditions throughout the project duration.”

The project shipping partners include Scandlines, Boeckmans Ship Management and Van Dam Shipping along with two additional partners to be added shortly.