Wind Assistance to Propulsion Systems (WAPS)

Wind for Assistance to Propulsion Systems (WAPS) is gaining traction in the shipping industry. But Shipowners can be puzzled to select the most appropriate device for their vessels and trade routes.

PROPELWIND proposes to Shipowners the following stepwise approach :

Step 1: a complete, fully up-to-date and detailed information package:

• an overview all 50 identified wind propulsion devices, based on our long experience with WAPS Suppliers; we propose a short list of 12 .. 15 suppliers to be handled in Step 2;
• OMI MEPC 83 GFI rules: native EXCEL file allowing the Shipowner to calculate the benefits of WAPS in case of implementation; already filled for typical bulk carriers and and tankers;
• a comprehensive comparison table of the WAPS rules from 5 leading Class Societies;
• a review of the 6 White Books from Class Societies and Industry Associations

Step 2: a detailed quantitative technical and economical comparison of suppliers short listed in Step 1:

• for specific vessels and trades as defined by the Shipowner;
• only the same essential information is required from suppliers using our standard Data Sheet;
• an Independent Expert Institute is involved in reviewing the suppliers information and recommending the number and location of devices;
• the results of the technical and economical comparisons are summarized on a Dashboard (see below)

Step 3: based on the results from Step 2, the Independent Expert Institute togethen with us will assist the Shipowner :

• by performing detailed and precise analysis of interferences, effect of side forces, EEDI/ EEXI, CII .. scope to be decided  by the Shipowner;
• to liaise directly with the 2 .. 3 shortlisted suppliers in order to obtain firm offers and start negotiations.

The Step 2-investigation uses wind statistics extracted from the vessel logbook, simplified to fit with the information received from suppliers in the completed Data Sheets.

So the statistics are more vessel – specific than the standard IMO Wind Matrix W_ij, and more representative of all the vessel routes than 1 or 2 voyage specific wind statistics.