The project brings together 15 partners across the maritime value chain to address key barriers to wider uptake of wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS), including uncertainty around performance, cost, and operational impact.
At the core of the project are two full-scale demonstration cases: a retrofit installation on an Odfjell chemical tanker and a newbuild application on Neoliner Origin. Together, these use cases will generate robust, real-world data across vessel types and operational conditions, showing how wind propulsion can be integrated both into existing fleets and optimised from the design stage.
The project will also develop validated methodologies and practical decision-support tools that make it easier for shipowners to assess performance, costs, and return on investment. By reducing uncertainty, AWESOME aims to lower investment risk and accelerate the deployment of wind-assisted solutions at scale.
A key focus is strengthening the foundation for standardisation, verification, and regulatory development. Through close collaboration with industry and classification partners, AWESOME will contribute to improved methods for measuring and documenting performance, while supporting alignment with frameworks such as FuelEU Maritime and future IMO requirements.
By linking technical validation with regulatory and market needs, the project supports a faster and more predictable pathway towards low- and zero-emission shipping.
AWESOME project have received funding from European Union’s Horizon Europe Framework program under grant no. 101270947
Disclaimer
This document has been prepared within the AWESOME consortium and is shared to support ongoing discussions and work related to Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion. Although consortium members have reviewed the material, the text should not be interpreted as representing the official position or opinion of any single member of the consortium.
The information provided is considered reliable at the time of publication; however, AWESOME provides the content “as is” and does not offer any guarantees or warranties, whether express or implied. AWESOME is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 101270947. The disclaimers stated above apply equally to the European Union and its employees, officers, and organisations.