NAPA (the sailing vessel optimization company) has addressed the challenges of proving the savings derived from using wind in maritime transport. According to published information, sailing vessels with wind propulsion have currently converted over 100 commercial ships, with a capacity exceeding 6 million deadweight tons. These vessels save between 5 to 20 percent in fuel consumption on average, depending on variables such as trade route, wind conditions, and the size of the sails relative to the ship's installed power.
Challenges in Measuring Savings
One of the main challenges in sailing vessels is determining the exact amount of savings resulting from the wind. In other words, on each voyage, identifying how much of the savings is due to the sails and how much is due to favorable weather conditions or optimal route selection is a commercial dilemma. These figures will become increasingly significant in the coming years due to changes in environmental regulations and compliance requirements.
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Optimization Models and Their Impact on Compliance
NAPA's performance models, using operational data and the hydrodynamic shape of the vessel, are capable of predicting fuel consumption under similar conditions without sails. This prediction helps owners and charterers have actual and verifiable numbers when sharing savings. Additionally, these models can assist in pre-installation simulation, routing during service, and post-installation verification.
Given the FuelEU Maritime regulations and the net-zero framework of the IMO currently under discussion, knowing how much of the vessels' emissions profile can be attributed to sails could be crucial in determining fleet compliance with important regulations.
NAPA has also developed methods for measuring the performance of sailing vessels under normal operational conditions, utilizing verified ship signal data and digital twins. This method allows owners and charterers to make more confident decisions regarding the sharing of savings.
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