Digital aerodynamics prediction and Stability safety for enhancing Wingsail integrity under instantaneous dynamic ship Motions (SafeWinds)

Research Project, 2026 – 2028

Wind propulsion for ships (WPS), particularly rigid wingsails, has the potential to resolve the challenges of fuel consumption and pollution in the shipping industry. It can be utilized as an assisted or primary propulsion unit (e.g., Oceanbird). The technology has been rapidly evolving in recent years, and is approaching the point of deployment to the market. Nonetheless, there are remaining critical problems in ship stability and wingsail dynamics that adversely influence the safety and propulsion efficiency. Problem 1 – design and operation Limited research has been done to address interaction effects between wingsail performance and ship dynamic motions (i.e., unsteady roll, pitch and yaw). Problem 2 – method To overcome the WPS issues in the early design stage and later maneuvering, a digital prediction method is required. Problem 3 - regulatory framework IMO’s MSC has developed codes for ship stability based on the SOLAS convention, considering navigational safety and energy efficiency design index (EEDI). This project aims to address the above problems for two popular wingsail concepts. Results will serve as the basis for safe navigation, without penalty on propulsion efficiency.