IWSA Highlights Growing Fleet with 37 Wind Propulsion Vessels

The International Windship Association (IWSA) reported 37 wind propulsion-installed vessels and eleven wind-ready ships, totaling 2.5 million dwt. This fleet includes ten small, traditionally rigged cruise vessels and numerous small sail cargo and fisheries vessels.

The number of wind propulsion ships has doubled since April 2023, with 22 installations and wind-ready vessels delivered in the past year compared to eight the previous year. Additionally, four primary wind vessels over 400GT have joined or are about to join the fleet, with two larger ships under construction.

Various market stakeholders are now interested in wind propulsion technology, leading to small fleet orders. Regulatory acceptance of wind as a significant energy option is increasing among the IMO, the EU, and national governments. IWSA's open letter to COP 28 leaders emphasizes wind propulsion's vital role in decarbonizing the shipping sector, urging official rules and funding support.