Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) has found its way onto the decks of many vessels, driven by the maritime industry’s push to reduce emissions and fuel costs. With technologies now proven to deliver fuel savings between 5 – 20% for retrofits and up to 40 -50% for newbuilds under optimal conditions, WAPS has become a practical part of many shipping companies’ decarbonization strategies.

Yet, a critical challenge remains: How can operators accurately measure and verify the performance and savings of their WAPS systems in real operational conditions? Here VAF Vento® comes into play.

The need for transparent and precise data

Many shipowners face questions from charterers, investors, and regulators about the real-world impact of their sustainability investments. Without precise, transparent data, it can be difficult to validate the ROI of WAPS installations, optimise operational profiles, or report consistently under EU ETS, CII and FuelEU Maritime requirements.

In a market where transparency and efficiency are key, the ability to measure thrust and propulsion efficiency under WAPS operations is essential for turning wind power into proven operational and financial benefits.

Moving from promise to proven value

As global regulations tighten and customers demand cleaner supply chains, wind assisted propulsion is becoming a strategic investment for forward-thinking operators. However, to fully realise its potential, WAPS systems need to be integrated seamlessly into operations, supported by clear and actionable insights.

Installing WAPS is a significant step towards reducing emissions and fuel consumption, but the real value of this investment is realised only when it is integrated effectively into daily operations with measurable results.

Measuring what matters

Factors such as variable wind conditions, voyage profiles, and operational strategies influence the effectiveness of wind-assisted propulsion, making it difficult to attribute fuel savings directly to WAPS. At the same time, regulators, charterers, and customers increasingly demand clear and transparent reporting on emissions reductions. Tools like CII and FuelEU Maritime compliance frameworks require accurate data to support sustainability claims and operational decisions.

This creates a critical need for precise, reliable data to evaluate the impact of WAPS on propulsion efficiency and fuel savings. Without this data, operators face uncertainty in verifying ROI, optimising voyage strategies, and demonstrating their sustainability performance to stakeholders.

As the maritime industry accelerates its decarbonisation journey, measuring what matters is essential to transform wind power from a promising investment into a proven operational advantage.

VAF Vento®: Turning wind power into proven efficiency

VAF Vento® provides the precision and transparency ship operators need to validate and optimise their WAPS investments. By measuring thrust and propulsion efficiency in real time, VAF Vento® offers actionable insights into how WAPS systems are performing under real operational conditions.

This data allows operators to:
– Quantify actual fuel savings attributable to WAPS,
– Optimise engine loads and voyage profiles to maximise benefits,
– Support transparent reporting under EU ETS, CII, Fuel EU Maritime, and ESG frameworks,
– Confidently demonstrate ROI to stakeholders.

Developed with decades of experience in propulsion measurement and performance monitoring, VAF Vento® is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing operations. It helps operators turn wind power into a measurable operational advantage while
supporting the industry’s transition towards sustainable shipping.

To maximise the benefits of WAPS, data-driven insight is essential. With VAF Vento®, operators gain the transparency needed to measure, optimise, and confidently report the true impact of their WAPS systems.

It is a step towards making wind power not only visible on the deck, but also measurable in your operations and sustainability reporting.