Wind at the helm shapes shipping's low-carbon turn

A cargo ship after off loading goods at Mombasa Port on March 3,2025 [Omondi Onyango, Standard] The bustling Port of Mombasa hums with activity as cargo ships laden with goods from across the globe dock and depart. Yet, beneath the economic promise of this trade lies a silent threat the choking emissions from these vessels. As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) meets in London to debate how to cut greenhouse gases from shipping, a surprising solution has gained traction: wind power. "The ongoing IMO discussions are key in shipping's decarbonization transition, and wind must be central to the solution," said Sian Prior, Shipping Policy Director at Seas At Risk, a marine NGO. A new study, titled Wind First, reveals that retrofitting ships with modern sails could slash fuel costs by up to USD500,000 per year per vessel while reducing carbon emissions by 12 percent. For a country like Kenya, where shipping is the lifeline of trade, this could be a game-changer. Shipping accounts for nearly three percent of global CO2 emissions more than the entire aviation industry. Without urgent action, this could balloon to 17 percent by 2050. Kenya, which handles over 90 percent of its trade through the sea, is directly impacted. The fumes from ships contribute to air pollution in coastal cities like Mombasa, while rising global temperatures threaten the very ecosystems that support fishing and tourism. The IMO has set ambitious targets: a 30 percent reduction in shipping emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. This can be achieved with a mix of old technology with a modern twist. Wind-assisted propulsion, once the backbone of global trade before the steam engine, is making a comeback. Today's innovations include rigid sails, spinning rotor sails, and even giant kites that pull ships forward. These systems don't replace engines but reduce fuel use by harnessing wind power. "Installing wind-assisted propulsion is a win-win-win for businesses, the economy, and the planet," said Anais Rios, Shipping Policy Officer at Seas At Risk. "It cuts costs, smoothens the energy transition, and slashes emissions immediately." Real-world examples prove it works. Global shipping giant Maersk fitted rotor sails on one of its tankers and saw an 8-10 percent drop in fuel consumption. Cargill, a major food supplier, tested a wind-powered bulk carrier and found the technology reliable even on large vessels. Japan's Wind Challenger project uses telescopic sails to cut emissions by 20 percent. Despite its promise, wind propulsion faces hurdles. Retrofitting a single ship can cost between USD 2 million and USD 5 million a steep upfront investment for shipping companies. There's also a lack of policy incentives. Currently, global regulations don't reward wind energy use, making it harder to justify the switch. This is where the IMO's decisions matter. Experts argue that three key policies could unlock wind propulsion's potential: A global carbon levy of at least USD150 per tonne of CO2 would make fossil fuels more expensive, pushing companies toward cleaner alternatives like wind. Fuel standards should recognize wind-assisted ships as meeting emission targets, giving them a competitive edge. Stricter efficiency rules under the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) would force shipowners to adopt energy-saving technologies. For Kenya,the Port of Mombasa is East Africa's busiest gateway, handling everything from tea exports to vehicle imports. If global shipping becomes more expensive due to carbon taxes, Kenyan consumers could face higher prices. But if the country embraces wind-assisted shipping early, it could gain a strategic advantage. Local experts see potential. "Kenya has some of the most consistent wind patterns along the Indian Ocean," said marine expert Francis Omingo. "If we invest in wind-powered ships, we could reduce fuel costs for regional trade and even attract green shipping partnerships." The government could start by piloting wind-assisted vessels on shorter routes, like Mombasa to Dar es Salaam or Dubai. Port authorities could also offer incentives lower docking fees for cleaner ships, for example to encourage adoption. The IMO's decisions this week will shape the future of shipping. Wind propulsion isn't a distant dream it's here, it works, and it's cost-effective. The question is whether Kenya will seize the opportunity or wait until global regulations force its hand. "The clock is ticking," warned Rios. "Wind first! Wind now!" He said Wind-assisted propulsion (WAPS) systems are scalable and can be integrated into existing fleets, offering immediate benefits. Implementing WAPS across the global fleet could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lessening the immediate demand for alternative fuels and allowing for a more gradual market transition. This approach aligns with the IMO's 2030 target of five percent uptake of zero or near-zero emission energy sources.

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