Norsepower, a Finnish company, has announced that its proprietary system for measuring the force generated by its wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) technology has undergone independent validation. The evaluation was conducted by RISE technology infrastructure SSPA Maritime Centre onboard the MV Chinook Oldendorff, a vessel equipped with three Norsepower Rotor Sails. This validation is notable as one of the first third-party assessments of a continuous performance monitoring system for wind propulsion.
Norsepower emphasizes that directly measuring the thrust produced by a WASP device is the most accurate method to quantify its efficiency. The challenge lies in performing this reliably over extended operational periods and effectively translating the data into actionable insights for vessel operators. The validation by RISE confirms the accuracy and consistency of Norsepower's measurement technology.
For freight forwarders and shippers, the validation of such systems contributes to greater transparency and confidence in the fuel-saving claims of vessels utilizing wind-assisted propulsion. As more carriers adopt these technologies to meet decarbonization targets, reliable performance data can influence vessel selection, potentially leading to more predictable transit times and bunker consumption, which could indirectly impact freight rates and operational costs. It also supports the broader industry shift towards sustainable shipping practices.
