Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) company Norsepower has unveiled Norsepower True Performance, described as an advanced performance measurement and monitoring system which measures performance of both the sails and the ship’s propeller, providing shipowners, charterers, and regulators with verifiable data on the actual impact of Norsepower Rotor Sails.
The company says this can help the whole industry by strengthening the business case for wind propulsion – helping regulators and companies alike. Measuring the effectiveness of wind propulsion has traditionally been challenging due to highly variable operating conditions. Norsepower’s new system is intended to change that.
By directly measuring the real-life thrust produced by Norsepower Rotor Sails in real-time, Norsepower True Performance delivers science-backed insights into fuel savings and emission reductions, setting a benchmark for transparency in wind propulsion. By continuously tracking the sail performance of any kind of wind propulsion system, Norsepower True Performance ensures long-term reliability and supports ongoing optimisation of sail technology and control systems. It also helps shipowners and charterers resolve cost-benefit sharing by accurately attributing fuel savings to wind propulsion.
With increasing regulatory pressure, the system strengthens industry confidence in wind propulsion. It provides ship operators with the data needed to deal with regulations set by the IMO and EU, such as CII, FuelEU Maritime, and the upcoming GFS (Global Fuel Standard).
Heikki Pöntynen, CEO Norsepower, said: “Norsepower True Performance is a game-changer. By directly measuring thrust force from both the sails and the ship’s propeller, we will deliver the most accurate measurement of wind propulsion performance available today. This strengthens not only the business case for wind propulsion but also its role in regulatory frameworks.”
Ville Paakkari, Norsepower Head of R&D, added: “This system represents the culmination of years of rigorous research, engineering precision, and the integration of advanced AI-powered analytics. Our R&D team has developed a framework capable of isolating and quantifying the true thrust contribution of any type of sails in real-world conditions. By continuously gathering high-frequency sensor data, Norsepower True Performance provides shipowners and regulators with a level of granularity and accuracy that simply wasn’t possible before.”
The introduction of Norsepower True Performance aligns with upcoming industry milestones, including discussions at MEPC 83, where regulators will further develop emissions reduction measures. By offering reliable, high-frequency thrust force measurements, the system equips ships and regulators with the data needed to recognize and integrate wind propulsion into future maritime policies.
Image: Norsepower True Performance is a science-based WAPS measurement system (source: Norsepower)
