CLC’s team, led by Mr. Harry Syllantavos, MSc Engineering, Marine Technology with Naval Architecture Newcastle University, Master of Financial Engineering NYU Tandon School of Engineering 2024, mentored and supervised our students Thodoris Argoudelis, Zaira Argyriou, Lia Kommata, Elias Machairas, Anastasis Moraitis and Sotiris Terzis to carry out a research project on using wind assisted ship propulsion (WASP) to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions within The Maritime Industry.
The Maritime Industry accounts for 90% of goods traded internationally and is responsible for 3.1% of global CO2 emissions. Based on current operations and industry growth patterns, and with other industries reducing their carbon footprint, Maritime Transport is expected to contribute to 10% of global GHG emissions. The aim of this paper is to assess the functionality, efficiency, and effectiveness of Flettner Rotors, a recent innovation in wind-assisted ship propulsion, aiming at reducing the industry’s energy dependency on fossil fuels. The physics and engineering principles behind its design and function are explained and discussed. The rotors are then considered in the context of the marine environment, exploring their effects on a vessel’s structural integrity and ship operations. This paper will assess whether Flettner Rotors are a viable solution for reducing GHG emissions in the maritime transportation industry if used at a large scale through a cost-benefit analysis.
