Underwater Propulsion System for Wind-Assisted Ships: From Flow Physics to Propulsive Factors

Research Project, 2025 – 2027

Sailing ships were among the earliest human-made transport systems enabling travel across the oceans. Today, wind propulsion is being reconsidered to reduce the marine transport sector’s reliance on fossil fuels and carbon footprint. Modern wind propulsion methods include sails, kites, and Flettner rotors, but also require propellers for consistent performance. This dual propulsion system complicates the design of the propeller and rudder due to varying operational conditions, affecting efficiency, cavitation, underwater noise, and the interaction between the hull, propeller, and rudder. Wind propulsion alters propeller performance by inducing leeway and drift and changing wake into propeller. Current design and route planning tools, based on traditional single-point operating conditions, are inadequate for these complexities. This project aims to enhance understanding of the underwater flow physics of wind-assisted ships, enabling accurate prediction of propulsive factors across a wide range of operating conditions, from solely wind-powered to solely propeller-driven.