Bulletin

3rd September 2025

Policy Bulletin 005: Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion for Decarbonisation

Maritime policy bulletin 005 covers Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion for Decarbonisation.

A key focus of maritime decarbonisation is on alternative fuels but availability, costs,logistical and safety concerns remain a barrier to adoption. Wind propulsion, a historically proven and readily available technology, is now being adopted in new innovative ways to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This bulletin summarises the state of the art and policy challenges in promoting wind-assisted ship propulsion.

This bulletin is based on a recent publication by Mr Jiajie Huang and Prof. Jean-Baptiste Souppez titled State of the Art in Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion for Maritime Decarbonisation and Sustainable Shipping: A Systematic Review.

To download the full policy bulletin, please click the download button above.

To read other bulletins, please see: Resources – UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub

Suggested citation:

Souppez, J.-B., Huang, J., & Copeland, C. L. (2025). Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion for Decarbonisation. UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20141574

Presentation

8th July 2025

View the Presentations

Clean Maritime Assembly 2025 – Highlights and Headlines Presentations (Day 2)

Lightning-style presentations from industry and academia, showcasing clean maritime activity across the sector.

The following presentations are available for view as part of our Resources Library.

Session 1 – Ports: Chaired by Prof Sarah Sharples, Department for Transport

Prof Trung Thanh Nguyen, Liverpool John Moores University: “Efficiency optimisation to make port operations greener”
Kirsty Gouck, Connected Places Catapult: “Enabling Net Zero Ports”

Session 2 – Smart Shipping & Operations: Chaired by Prof Ying Xie, Cranfield University

Prof Alice Larkin, University of Manchester: “Decarbonising shipping: the case for focusing on the existing system”
Tuur Killaars, Foreship: “Smart operations, a net zero enabler”
Matthew Napleton, Zizo: “How Does Data & Digitalisation Drive Decarbonisation?”

Session 3 – Finance, Insurance & Law: Chaired by Dr Claire Copeland, Durham University

Dr Pia Rebello, City St Georges, University of London: “Legal Aspects of Decarbonising City”
Helen Barden, North Standard: “Maritime Decarbonisation – the insurer’s perspective”
Andrew Southwood, Siemens Financial Services: “Financing the transition”

Floating solar wireless power transfer system for electric ships: Design and laboratory tests Image

Publication

17th March 2025

Floating solar wireless power transfer system for electric ships: Design and laboratory tests

“Abstract

The maritime industry is under increasing pressure to decarbonise, presenting an important pathway of transforming the power systems from conventional marine fuels to electric-based. This study proposes an innovative solution to support maritime decarbonisation through the integration of a floating solar clean energy harnessing and wireless power transfer (WPT) technology for electric vessels. The paper presents the design and experimental tests of the integrated system specifically, based on a model of an electric yacht. This study provides an in-depth analysis of application of floating solar to provides an off-grid wireless power transfer system that can scale for larger vessels such as ferries. The off-grid modularity proposed enables scalable, flexible, and sustainable energy delivery for maritime applications and decarbonisation with specific attention to challenges in WPT alignment and environmental condition. Simulations using ANSYS Maxwell were performed to model the magnetic field interactions and ascertain the optimal power transfer efficiency. Subsequently, a reduced-scale prototype system was designed, built and tested in a wave tank. The experimental results demonstrated efficient wireless charging with an average efficiency of 82 %, and the docking system proved effective in maintaining alignment even when the ship has wave-induced motions. The findings support the feasibility of using floating solar WPT systems for maritime vessels and pave the way to larger-scale studies.”

Ibrahim, K.A., Le Maréchal, T., Luk, P., Qin, Q., Huang, L., Xie, Y., Verdin, P. and Luo, Z., 2025. Floating solar wireless power transfer system for electric ships: Design and laboratory tests. Energy Conversion and Management, 332, p.119738. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2025.119738

Please use the DOI link above to access the full article.

For related publications please see Resources – UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub

Cryogenic energy assisted power generation utilizing low flammability refrigerants Image

Publication

10th August 2024

Cryogenic energy assisted power generation utilizing low flammability refrigerants

“Abstract

Cryogenic carbon-neutral fuels are potential alternatives as future marine fuels, releasing waste cryogenic energy during regasification and waste thermal energy during combustion. Organic Rankine Cycles (ORCs), using flammable hydrocarbon working fluids, are the preferred waste energy reutilization technology, prioritized over Brayton and Kaline cycles due to their compact system configuration. However, hydrocarbon flammability and explosiveness poses a huge safety risk. Therein lies the novelty of this study which presents an advanced dynamic model of a cryogenic enhanced ORC utilizing low flammability hydrofluorocarbons as working fluids for simultaneous reutilization of waste thermal and cryogenic energy from carbon-neutral cryogenic fuels. The evaporation temperature exhibits a direct correlation with energy and an inverse correlation with the exergy performance. System overcharging leads to a drastic performance decline, while undercharging can be tolerated to a certain liquid-to-volume ratio until critical failure. Marine classification societies’ recommendations-based scenarios were employed to gauge the emission reduction potential of low flammability working fluids for cryogenic ORCs, pitted against traditional combustion technologies. A maximum specific net-work, thermal efficiency, exergy efficiency, and cryogenic energy efficiency of 45.64 kJ/kg, 10.43 %, 12.75 %, and 11.8 % was achieved, respectively, with 85 % reduction in GHG emissions, using R452B as the working fluid.”

Farrukh S., Wu D., Taskin A., Dearn K. Cryogenic energy assisted power generation utilizing low flammability refrigerants (2024) Energy, 307, art. no. 132770. DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.132770

The full report is accessible via:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2024.132770

Modelling and analyzing the stacking strategies in automated container terminals Image

Publication

30th May 2024

Modelling and analyzing the stacking strategies in automated container terminals

“Abstract

Stacking strategies determine which yard block to allocate the container and which bay and column in the block to stack the container. They play an important role to ensure yard efficiency and reduce vessel berthing time and truck waiting time. This paper models and analyses the impact of stacking strategies on the container terminal operations by a two-stage approach. We consider common stacking rules including random stacking rule and distance-based priority assigning rule. In the first stage, the individual operations of handling equipment are modelled by travel time models considering uncertainty in operations. The effects of stacking rules on individual operations, such as Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV) traveling times, landside yard crane operation times and seaside yard crane operation times, are estimated. In the second stage, we use a semi-open queuing network to model the interactions between individual operations, and the results of the first stage are used as inputs in the second stage network. We analytically examined the handling times of the relevant equipment under different stacking strategies and their sensitivity to yard density. Finally, we use simulation method to verify the effectiveness of the results of our model. The results can offer insights into which stacking strategies are more suitable under different criteria and circumstances such as balancing workload, increasing yard utilization and reducing congestion for external trucks.”

Zhang, X., Jia, N., Song, DP., & Liu, B. (2024). Modelling and analyzing the stacking strategies in automated container terminals. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 187, 103608. DOI: 10.1016/j.tre.2024.103608

Please use the DOI link above to access the full report.

For related publications please see Resources – UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub

Research and innovation identified to decarbonise the maritime sector Image

Publication

27th March 2024

Research and innovation identified to decarbonise the maritime sector

“Abstract

The maritime sector requires technically, environmentally, socially, and economically informed pathways to decarbonise and eliminate all emissions harmful to the environment and health. This is extremely challenging and complex, and a wide range of technologies and solutions are currently being explored. However, it is important to assess the state-of-the-art and identify further research and innovation required to accelerate decarbonisation. The UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub have identified key priority areas to drive this process, with particular focus on marine fuels, power and propulsion, vessel efficiency, port operations and infrastructure, digitalisation, finance, regulation, and policy.”

Ling-Chin J, Simpson R, Cairns A, Wu D, Xie Y, Song D, Kashkarov S, Molkov V, Moutzouris I, Wright L, Tricoli P, Dansoh C, Panesar A, Chong K, Liu P, Roy D, Wang Y, Smallbone A, Roskilly AP. Research and innovation identified to decarbonise the maritime sector. Green Energy Sustain. 2024;4(1):0001. https://doi.org/10.47248/ges2404010001

The full publication is available via: https://doi.org/10.47248/ges2404010001

Performance and Emission Optimisation of an Ammonia/Hydrogen Fuelled Linear Joule Engine Generator Image

Publication

21st March 2024

Performance and Emission Optimisation of an Ammonia/Hydrogen Fuelled Linear Joule Engine Generator

“Abstract:

This paper presents a Linear Joule Engine Generator (LJEG) powered by ammonia and hydrogen co-combustion to tackle decarbonisation in the electrification of transport propulsion systems. A dynamic model of the LJEG, which integrates mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetics sub-models, as well as detailed combustion chemistry analysis for emissions, is presented. The dynamic model is integrated and validated, and the LJEG performance is optimised for improved performance and reduced emissions. At optimal conditions, the engine could generate 1.96 kWe at a thermal efficiency of 34.3% and an electrical efficiency of 91%. It is found that the electromagnetic force of the linear alternator and heat addition from the external combustor and engine valve timing have the most significant influences on performance, whereas the piston stroke has a lesser impact. The impacts of hydrogen ratio, oxygen concentration, inlet pressure, and equivalence ratio of ammonia-air on nitric oxide (NO) formation and reduction are revealed using a detailed chemical kinetic analysis. Results indicated that rich combustion and elevated pressure are beneficial for NO reduction. The rate of production analysis indicates that the equivalence ratio significantly changes the relative contribution among the critical NO formation and reduction reaction pathways.”

Performance and Emission Optimisation of an Ammonia/Hydrogen Fuelled Linear Joule Engine Generator. G. Chen, U. Ngwaka, D. Wu, M. Li. Energies 17, 1490, 2024.

The full report is accessible via: https://doi.org/10.3390/en17061490

Pathways to Decarbonization of Deep-Sea Shipping: An Aframax Case Study Image

Publication

17th November 2023

Pathways to Decarbonization of Deep-Sea Shipping: An Aframax Case Study

“Abstract

Deep-sea decarbonization remains an enigma as the world scrambles to reduce global emissions. This study looks at near-term decarbonization solutions for deep-sea shipping. Pathways are defined, which are appealing to ship owners and major world economies alike. The economic and environmental viability of several of the most advanced near-term technologies for deep-sea decarbonization are revealed. The environmental analysis suggests the necessity of new emission intensity metrics. The economic analysis indicates that the carbon tax could be a great motivator to invest in decarbonization technologies. Standalone decarbonization technologies can provide a maximum of 20% emissions reduction. Hence, to meet IMO 2050 targets of 50% emissions reduction, several solutions need to be utilized in tandem. This study reaches the conclusion that alternative fuels are the crucial step to achieve a net zero carbon economy, although bunkering, infrastructure, and economic hurdles need to be overcome for the widespread implementation of carbon-neutral fuels.”

Pathways to Decarbonization of Deep-Sea Shipping: An Aframax Case Study. S Farrukh, M Li, GD Kouris, D Wu, K Dearn, Z Yerasimou, P Diamantis, Energies 16, 7640. 2023.

The full report is accessible via: https://doi.org/10.3390/en16227640

Policy Bulletin 005: Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion for Decarbonisation

Related reading

Policy Bulletin 009: Floating Solar Power for Maritime Decarbonisation

Policy Bulletin 008: Port emissions reduction through energy-aware ferry scheduling

Split cycle engine experiments and modelling with port hydrogen for sustainable propulsion

Clean Maritime Assembly 2025 – Highlights and Headlines Presentations (Day 2)

Related reading

Policy Bulletin 009: Floating Solar Power for Maritime Decarbonisation

Policy Bulletin 008: Port emissions reduction through energy-aware ferry scheduling

Split cycle engine experiments and modelling with port hydrogen for sustainable propulsion

Floating solar wireless power transfer system for electric ships: Design and laboratory tests

Related reading

Policy Bulletin 009: Floating Solar Power for Maritime Decarbonisation

Policy Bulletin 008: Port emissions reduction through energy-aware ferry scheduling

Split cycle engine experiments and modelling with port hydrogen for sustainable propulsion

Cryogenic energy assisted power generation utilizing low flammability refrigerants

Related reading

Policy Bulletin 009: Floating Solar Power for Maritime Decarbonisation

Policy Bulletin 008: Port emissions reduction through energy-aware ferry scheduling

Split cycle engine experiments and modelling with port hydrogen for sustainable propulsion

Modelling and analyzing the stacking strategies in automated container terminals

Related reading

Policy Bulletin 009: Floating Solar Power for Maritime Decarbonisation

Policy Bulletin 008: Port emissions reduction through energy-aware ferry scheduling

Split cycle engine experiments and modelling with port hydrogen for sustainable propulsion

Research and innovation identified to decarbonise the maritime sector

Related reading

Policy Bulletin 009: Floating Solar Power for Maritime Decarbonisation

Policy Bulletin 008: Port emissions reduction through energy-aware ferry scheduling

Split cycle engine experiments and modelling with port hydrogen for sustainable propulsion

Performance and Emission Optimisation of an Ammonia/Hydrogen Fuelled Linear Joule Engine Generator

Related reading

Policy Bulletin 009: Floating Solar Power for Maritime Decarbonisation

Policy Bulletin 008: Port emissions reduction through energy-aware ferry scheduling

Split cycle engine experiments and modelling with port hydrogen for sustainable propulsion

Pathways to Decarbonization of Deep-Sea Shipping: An Aframax Case Study

Related reading

Policy Bulletin 009: Floating Solar Power for Maritime Decarbonisation

Policy Bulletin 008: Port emissions reduction through energy-aware ferry scheduling

Split cycle engine experiments and modelling with port hydrogen for sustainable propulsion

Stay in the know