Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (WaSP)

As a result of the successful Training for Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (TWaSP) project, delivered in collaboration with GT Wings and with support from Grieg Star Shipping, the Maritime Centre now has access to the following three types of Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion (WaSP) vessel models:

• Flettner Rotor
• Wing Sails
• Jet Sails (GT Wings)

With our in-house capability to develop these WaSP models, our training courses are bespoke, designed to meet the specific requirements of clients and their operational needs. The programme is aimed at masters and deck officers preparing to operate vessels equipped with wind-assisted propulsion systems.

The course is ideal for officers with limited practical experience in handling vessels prior to taking up command or transitioning to ships with advanced or unconventional manoeuvring and propulsion systems.

While conventional propulsion methods are addressed, the focus is on integrating wind-assisted technologies into operational practice.

Course overview

The course curriculum includes:

• Understanding the principles and operational characteristics of wind-assisted propulsion systems.
• Operation of helm, conventional propulsion, and thrusters in conjunction with wind-assisted devices.
• Assessment of environmental factors, including wind, current, waves, and weather conditions, and their impact on ship handling and manoeuvring.

This intensive, two-day course is designed for the officers of ocean-going vessels equipped with Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion  (WaSP) systems, such as Flettner rotors, or wings. Although the basis theory for different types of WaSP will be covered, but the simulations will use one client selected WaSP model to ensure satisfactory delivery within the given duration. The program provides the essential knowledge and practical skills required to safely, efficiently, and effectively integrate these technologies into standard bridge and engine room procedures.

Courses can be further customised to specific vessel types, propulsion configurations, or particular sea areas of navigation. Trainees benefit from the expertise of our instructors, who include experienced ship pilots and captains with extensive operational knowledge across diverse vessel types, environments, and regions.

By integrating realistic weather and environmental data into the simulator environment, trainees gain practical experience in predicting, managing, and optimising vessel behaviour under the variable conditions that directly influence wind-assisted propulsion performance.