Wind-Assisted Propulsion Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis, By Technology (Towing Kites, Flettner Rotors, Suction Wings, and Sails), By Installation Type (Retrofit and Newly Installed), By Vessel Type (Wind-Assisted Motor Vessels and Purely Wind Vessels), By Application, and By Region, Forecast 2025-2032

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Market Overview and Key Insights:

The wind-assisted propulsion market size reached USD 122.7 million in 2024 and is expected to register a revenue CAGR of 74.8% during the forecast period. Wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS) technology has gained popularity in the shipping industry to reduce fuel consumption and pollutants. These technologies use the power of wind to enhance a vessel’s propulsion by generating aerodynamic forces. They have the potential to greatly increase maritime operations’ efficiency and make a big contribution to the industry’s decarbonization, as wind is an infinite, free, zero-carbon energy resource.

Market Drivers:

Stringent environmental regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is a key driver of revenue growth in the wind-assisted propulsion market. The marine industry is undergoing a major upheaval as it strives to lower its environmental impact and adopt more sustainable practices. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the GHG Strategy envisions reducing the carbon intensity of international shipping (to minimize CO2 emissions per transport work) by at least 40% on average by 2030. The 2023 IMO GHG Strategy also contains a new level of ambition for the adoption of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies, fuels, and/or energy sources, which are to account for at least 5%, ideally 10%, of the energy consumed by international shipping by 2030.

According to the International Windship Association (IWSA), there will be approximately 10,000 ships with installed wind (auxiliary) propulsion by 2030, rising to 40,000 by 2050. Furthermore, FuelEU Maritime establishes maximum limitations for the yearly average greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of energy used by ships above 5,000 gross tons that stop at European ports, regardless of flag. Targets will ensure that the greenhouse gas intensity of fuels used in the industry gradually decreases over time, beginning with a 2% reduction in 2025 and up to an 80% reduction by 2050.

On June 2025, Kongsberg Maritime has launched the K-Sail wind-assist technology solution. The new K-Sail service assists owners in navigating the complexity of implementing wind-assist technology by emphasizing integration and collaboration with diverse technology partners. The service merges sail management, vessel automation, and route optimization into a single ecosystem.

Market Opportunity:

Technological diversification combining WAP with other renewable energy sources acts as opportunities for wind-assisted propulsion market. Recent advances in technology and design are reviving this old mode of transportation. These current wind-powered technologies are intended to supplement, rather than completely replace, older propulsion methods. IC engines are more reliable than ever before. However, the shipping industry’s increased carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions have contributed to climatic challenges such as ozone depletion, global warming, and sea-level rise. As a result, research is being conducted to commercialize clean renewable energy sources for ships.

Solar power is another increasingly realistic way to reduce emissions in the maritime industry. While solar energy alone may not be sufficient to power big ocean-going vessels, it can greatly cut fuel usage by providing electricity for onboard systems and hybrid propulsion. Solar panels combined with wind-assisted propulsion make highly efficient hybrid vessels. This strategy maximizes renewable energy use while lowering overall gasoline consumption. The deployment of wind-assisted and solar-powered vessels is likely to rise in the future years, owing to technology developments, regulatory restrictions, and an increasing demand for sustainable logistics.

On May 2025, Asyad Group has announced the launch of the large cargo vessel “Sohar Max,” which uses wind propulsion technology to achieve high environmental efficiency. This strategic project demonstrates a forward-thinking commitment to maritime sustainability. The ambitious project demonstrates Asyad’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that drive the maritime sector’s transition to sustainability by incorporating wind propulsion technologies that significantly reduce carbon emissions and pave the way for cleaner and more efficient energy in maritime operations.

Recent Trends:

Emerging trends include advanced sail technologies, rotor sail innovations, smart integration and automation, scalable manufacturing and retrofit solutions, and kite-based systems.

Wind-assisted propulsion has regained popularity in the maritime industry to reduce fuel consumption and environmental effect. Among the numerous technologies, feltner rotors have received recognition for their simplicity and efficacy. Advanced wind sensors and real-time data integration are essential components of rotor automation. These devices continuously monitor wind conditions to optimize the rotor’s orientation and rotation speed for optimal thrust.

Wind-assisted propulsion, frequently combined with conventional engines, is gaining popularity in the maritime industry as a sustainable and cost-effective way to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Advanced sail control automation systems are necessary for maximizing wind power usage. Sail control automation is leading innovation in wind-assisted propulsion, providing a sustainable answer to the maritime industry’s environmental challenges. To maximize the benefits of wind power in commercial shipping, modern automation systems must be integrated as technology advances.

On November 2024, Norsepower, the global leader in wind-assisted propulsion for the marine industry and a pioneer in the rotor sail business, announced the inauguration of the world’s first dedicated rotor sail plant in Dafeng, China. This significant accomplishment demonstrates Norsepower’s commitment to innovation, creating sustainable solutions, and promoting the use of wind propulsion in shipping.  The new plant, which is ideally placed near vital maritime routes and shipyards, will initially be capable of producing 50 Norsepower Rotor Sails per year, with ambitions to increase to 100 by the end of 2027.

Restraints & Challenges:

Despite its promise, wind-assisted propulsion faces obstacles due to industry perception and a lack of mainstream funding, limiting its widespread implementation. There are no established criteria for assessing savings claims, resulting in confusion about actual fuel savings. The potential hidden expenses of WAPS, including the entire scope of engineering work and operational costs, add to the ambiguity around the business case.

One barrier to retrofitting WAPS technology is a lack of familiarity with the technology, which is exacerbated by various manufacturers offering a variety of systems. The lack of standardisation of fuel-saving claims and procedures adds to the issues.

Technology Segment Insights and Analysis:

Based on the technology, the wind-assisted propulsion market is segmented into towing kites, flettner rotors, suction wings, and sails.

Sails segment contributed the largest market share and highest growth rate in 2024. It is further sub-segmented into soft-wing and hard-wing. Wing sails are shaped like airplane wings and create propulsion in the same way as airplanes achieve lift. Several companies arrange these systems along the open deck. They automate their position, like in the ventilated foil system, to respond to changing wind speed and direction for maximum thrust. The wing sails deliver an excellent drag/lift performance ratio, and the system allows operators to fold them to a quarter of their length for overhead clearance or in poor weather. Ships with vast open deck space and limited deck machinery and accommodation use wing sails effectively.

On February 2025, Dealfeng New Energy Technology, a Chinese green energy technology business, has concluded a multi-million RMB Pre-A Series funding round, which attracted investment from TZME (TianJin), a compatriot company involved in the mechanical equipment market. The duo’s cross-industry collaboration will include, among other things, the design, production, and marketing of wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) for ships.

Vessel Type Segment Insights and Analysis:

Based on the vessel type, the wind-assisted propulsion market is segmented into wind-assisted motor vessels, purely wind vessels.

Wind-assisted motor vessels segment contributed the highest market growth during the forecasted period. Wind propulsion provides a unique opportunity in the maritime sector to address the issues of decarbonisation, international and European legislation, and public pressure to cut greenhouse gas emissions. With shifting fuel prices, ship owners are looking for ways to modify their propulsion systems and invest in decarbonised energy. WASP have advanced significantly, giving interesting possibilities for decreasing the carbon footprint of commercial vessels. New constructions can incorporate rigid sail or wing technologies from the ground up to enable greener sailing. Retrofitting allows existing ships to incorporate soft sail and kite technologies.

On May 2025, BAR Technologies has introduced WindWings Hub, a powerful new platform that aims to revolutionize how shipping businesses track, understand, and optimize the operation of wind-assisted vessels. The inauguration of WindWings Hub represents a significant step forward not only for BAR Technologies, but also for the maritime sector’s overall decarbonisation efforts. WindWings Hub integrates the system into the heart of ship operations, enabling superior outcomes at the technical, operational, and corporate levels.

Application Segment Insights and Analysis:

Based on the application, the wind-assisted propulsion market is segmented into cargo ships, passenger ships, fishing vessels, and bulk carriers.

Cargo ships segment contributed the largest market share in 2024. General cargo ships are frequently outfitted with a single unit or set of WAPS on the stern or bow of the ship, in designs that allow most of the deck to remain open. Recently, owners of various bulk carriers have decided to outfit their ships with kites. Flat-decked general cargo ships and bulk carriers frequently have sufficient deck area to accommodate a WAPS installation. Bulk carriers’ large deck space allows for installation of several systems, including rotors, hard sails, and suction wings, depending on hatch placement.

On June 2025, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (SWS) has successfully delivered Brands Hatch, the world’s first newbuild Aframax tanker fitted with wind-assisted propulsion, to Union Maritime Limited. With 114,000 dwt, Brands Hatch is now the most powerful wind-assisted cargo vessel in existence. The Brands Hatch tanker has significantly reduced fuel and emissions, saving up to 14.5 tonnes of gasoline and 45 tons of CO₂ per day under optimal wind conditions.

Geographical Outlook:

Wind-assisted propulsion market is strategically segmented by geography to provide a comprehensive understanding of regional market dynamic. Discover demand analysis, emerging trends, and growth opportunities shaping market performance across different region and countries.

Europe Wind-Assisted Propulsion Market:

Europe is registered to have the largest market share in wind-assisted propulsion market in 2024 primarily driven by stringent environmental regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and technological advancements improving efficiency and reliability of WAP systems. The ‘FuelEU marine’ legislation is a significant component of the EU’s fit for 55 packages of policies aimed at achieving the European Green Deal. It aims to increase the demand for and consistent use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in the maritime sector, in the same way as Regulation (EU) 2023/2405 ‘refuelEU aviation’ for the aviation sector. The rule was adopted concurrently with rule (EU) 2023/1804 on the deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure.

On February 2025, Econowind, a Zeewolde-based Dutch firm, has acquired Euro 1 million in development finance from Invest International to enhance and test its VentoFoil XL, a 24-30-meter-high steel wind sail inspired by aviation technology. Econowind has been making smaller VentoFoils for coastal shipping for several years. With the launch of the XL model, the business hopes to grow into the deep-sea shipping industry, cementing its position as a global leader in environmentally friendly marine technology. The first of two XL prototypes is planned to be fully developed and tested during the following two years. In addition to development funds, Invest International has offered export financing to help Econowind flourish.

Asia Pacific Wind-Assisted Propulsion Market:

Asia Pacific is registered to have the highest growth rate in wind-assisted propulsion market in 2024. New technology providers and suppliers are joining the industry, while established companies are scaling up production and logistics to satisfy growing demand for ship emission reduction solutions. Wind-assisted propulsion has resulted in annual fuel savings of 5% to 20% for some ships, according to vessel owners, operators, and technology developers. Combining wind and digital solutions can improve transportation efficiency and save fuel by allowing for seamless, autonomous movement of vessels, goods, and passengers. Optimizing logistics, such as port solutions, can lead to slower speeds, decreasing energy consumption and enhancing the benefits of WAPS.

On February 2024, Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has signed a contract with bound4blue to install three 22-meter eSAILs onboard the Pacific Sentinel, marking their first wind-assisted propulsion system installation. The turnkey ‘suction sail’ technology, which drags air across an aerodynamic surface to achieve outstanding propulsive efficiency, aids the 183-metre, 50,000 DWT oil and chemical tanker in reducing overall energy consumption by about 10%, depending on vessel routing.

Competition Analysis:

The wind-assisted propulsion market is characterized by a consolidated structure, with few players competing across various segments and regions. List of major players included in the wind-assisted propulsion market report are:

• Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
• Kongsberg Maritime
• Vaisala Oyj
• Bound 4 Blue, S.L.
• Liebherr Group
• GT Wings
• Econowind
• Airseas
• Norsepower
• Finocean Ltd.
• Berger Maritiem Sales & Service V.O.F.
• Eco Marine Power
• Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd
• Becker Marine Systems GmbH
• BAR Technologies Ltd.

Strategic Developments in Wind-Assisted Propulsion Market:

• In June 2025, Union Maritime has launched a financing scheme to increase wind propulsion. SeaBreeze will work with WAPS manufacturers to provide specialized lease financing solutions for the acquisition and deployment of wind propulsion technology. SeaBreeze is set to launch around the end of 2025.
• In April 2025, Wilson ASA, a shipping firm, and industry leader in Norway, sets a new standard for energy-efficient logistics operations with “Wilson Eyde.” The new ship will transport pitch, which Hydro uses to produce primary aluminum, using wind-assisted propulsion. “Wilson Eyde” has an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based fuel optimization system in addition to wind-assisted propulsion. These technical advancements, when combined with greater load capacity, will produce a highly effective transportation option that lowers emissions and saves money. The ship will travel a standard route between Hydro’s production facilities in Norway and suppliers throughout Europe.
• In March 2024, BAR Technologies, an innovative simulation-driven maritime engineering consultant and wind propulsion provider, has announced a new collaboration with GROKE Technologies, a global leader in situation awareness solutions, to design and build systems for the company’s WindWings technology. The collaboration with Groke will result in an autonomous navigation solution to improve sea passage and port maneuverability for vessels equipped with BAR Technologies’ WindWings.

Key Advantages for Stakeholders:

Navistrat Analytics’ industry report provides an in-depth quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current trends, market forecasts, and dynamics within the global market. The historical years covered in this report are 2022 to 2023, with 2024 serving as the base year for market size calculations. The forecast period extends from 2025 to 2032.

The report includes an executive summary and a comprehensive overview of market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges (DROC), along with insights into regulatory standards. It features detailed analyses such as PORTER’s Five Forces, SWOT, and PESTLE, as well as assessments of technological trends and the competitive landscape.

PORTER’s Five Forces analysis helps stakeholders evaluate the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and substitution threats, enabling them to assess the level of competition and the attractiveness of the global market. The competitive landscape provides stakeholders with a clear understanding of the current market positions of key players, offering valuable insights into their competitive environment.

Scope And Key Highlights Of The Wind-Assisted Propulsion Market Report:

The Wind-Assisted Propulsion market report offers a detailed analysis of market size, including historical revenue (in USD Million) data for 2022-2023 and revenue forecasts for 2025-2032 across the following segments:

• Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2022-2032)
  • Towing Kites
  • Flettner Rotors
  • Suction Wings
  • Sails
    • Soft-Wing
    • Hard-Wing

• Installation Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2022-2032)
  • Retrofit
  • Newly Installed

• Vessel Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2022-2032)
  • Wind-Assisted Motor Vessels
  • Purely Wind Vessels

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2022-2032)
  • Cargo Ships
    • Tankers
    • Car Carriers/Ro-Ro Vessels
    • Container Ships
    • General Cargo Vessels
  • Passenger Ships
  • Fishing Vessels
  • Bulk Carriers

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2022-2032)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • France
    • U.K.
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Benelux
    • Nordic Countries
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Oceania
    • ASEAN Countries
    • Rest of APAC
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Rest of LATAM
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • South Africa
    • Israel
    • Turkey
    • Rest of MEA

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