The report, published as Deliverable 2.3 – Safety and Rules, finds that several key regulations were developed with conventional propulsion systems in mind. Accordingly, they do not yet fully address the operational realities of ships using wind propulsion systems.
Among the areas identified for further development are vessel stability, navigation rules and crew training.
The report concludes: “While wind propulsion technologies hold substantial promises for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving fuel efficiency in maritime transport, international regulatory frameworks and classification society’s class rules have yet to fully accommodate their integration.”
Regulations written for conventional ships
The study reviews the international framework governing ship safety and operation, including SOLAS, COLREG, the IS Code, STCW and MARPOL. It identifies several areas where wind propulsion introduces operational characteristics that were not fully anticipated when many of these regulations were developed.
These include the effects of wind propulsion on ship stability, bridge visibility, manoeuvrability and the placement and visibility of navigation lights.
The study also highlights a challenge within the collision regulations (COLREG). While existing rules distinguish between power-driven vessels and sailing vessels, future wind-powered ships may not fit neatly into either category, creating uncertainty around navigation rules and right-of-way responsibilities.
Classification rules provide a strong foundation
While the study identifies several gaps in international regulations, its assessment of existing classification rules offers largely positive conclusions.
DNV’s analysis finds that class rules and risk-based approval processes already provide a robust framework for evaluating and certifying wind propulsion systems. Most of the functional safety requirements identified in the study are covered by existing class requirements, standards or approval methodologies.
However, the report also identifies areas where further development may be beneficial, including fire suppression, cyber security, mooring equipment and the interaction between wind propulsion systems and vessel motions.
New technology requires new competence
Beyond technical regulations, the report points to a growing need for new knowledge and skills among seafarers.
Operating vessels with large wind propulsion systems may require competencies related to weather routing, sail operation, vessel manoeuvring and the interaction between wind and conventional propulsion systems. According to the study, these topics are not currently addressed in a dedicated way within existing STCW requirements.
The report concludes that updates to training requirements should be considered as wind propulsion becomes more widely adopted.
Defining “wind as main propulsion”
Most of the 100+ commercial ships using wind propulsion technologies today can be categorised as “wind-assisted”, with fuel savings of around 5–20%. Orcelle Horizon aims to go beyond this by enabling wind as the main source of propulsion.
However, as the gap analysis reports, the concept of “wind as main propulsion” lacks a precise definition within existing maritime regulatory and technical frameworks. As a result, there is no established way to distinguish between wind-assisted and wind-powered ships.
The report suggests that a common terminology and classification approach could help create clearer requirements, greater predictability and increased confidence in the safe deployment of wind-powered vessels.
Supporting the future of low-emission shipping
As the maritime industry explores a growing range of low- and zero-emission technologies, the study argues that regulatory development must keep pace with innovation.
“Ultimately, bridging these regulatory gaps will enhance global governance, promote responsible development, and ensure that the benefits of wind propulsion technologies are safely realized,” the authors note.
The findings provide valuable input for regulators, classification societies and industry stakeholders working to ensure that wind propulsion can play a larger role in the decarbonisation of shipping while ensuring safe and reliable operations.
Read the full report: Deliverable 2.3 – Safety and Rules
