Scientists map complex maritime winds to maximize fuel savings from ship sails

SINTEF researchers say simplified wind assumptions are making ship-sail fuel savings hard to predict.

Using LiDAR on the Bow Olympus tanker, they measured real airflow around a moving vessel instead of relying on static models.

The reSail project is now testing sail placement, automation, and forecasting to improve wind-assisted propulsion.

Better wind modeling could make ship sails deliver more reliable fuel savings and help shipping cut emissions under tighter climate rules.