Not a Future Concept: CWS Wind-Assisted Propulsion
CWS, Computed Wing Sail, is a French engineering company based in Paris producing a patented rigid wingsail system that can be retrofitted onto existing vessels without a drydocking requirement, or integrated into newbuilding orders. The system is fully automated, requires minimal crew intervention and delivers measurable reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Resolute Maritime Services is the exclusive representative of CWS in Greece.
The Operational Case for Wind-Assisted Propulsion
For Greek-managed fleets, EU ETS costs are a direct operational reality. Vessels trading in EU waters pay for their CO2 emissions under the Emissions Trading System, and CII ratings affect commercial positioning and charter attractiveness.
Wind-assisted propulsion addresses both. A reduction in fuel consumption reduces EU ETS exposure directly. Improved CII performance strengthens a vessel's rating category, with downstream commercial consequences across charter markets and insurance.
These are not regulatory projections. They are present costs with present solutions.
The CWS Wingsail System
The CWS Airfin 350 is a rigid wingsail system designed for commercial vessels in active service. Key technical characteristics:
- Patented rigid wing structure, foldable and fully automated
- Designed to support EEXI, CII and EU ETS requirements
- Retrofit onto existing vessels without drydocking requirement
- Integration available for newbuilding orders
- Minimal crew intervention required in operation
The system's retrofit capability without a drydocking requirement is operationally significant. It removes the scheduling and cost barrier associated with vessel downtime, allowing the installation to be planned around trading constraints rather than dock availability.
Scope of Supply
CWS's scope covers the full system from engineering to operational support:
- Upper and lower wingsail sections
- Integrated control system
- Class approval support
- Crew training programme
- Maintenance and data analysis services
- Pedestal installation (where applicable)
- Performance guarantees
A free preliminary assessment of installation suitability and projected performance on a specific vessel is available on request through Resolute.
Application Across Vessel Types
Wind-assisted propulsion is applicable across a range of commercial vessel types, with performance gains dependent on vessel size, trading route and wind pattern exposure. Bulk carriers, tankers and general cargo vessels trading on open-ocean routes typically show the strongest performance returns from wind assistance.
For Greek-managed fleets trading through the North Atlantic, Mediterranean and Indian Ocean corridors, the system's performance profile is directly relevant to the routes where EU ETS and CII pressures are highest.
Resolute's Assessment Service
Resolute Maritime Services provides access to a free preliminary assessment for any vessel in the Greek-managed fleet. This assessment evaluates installation suitability, projected fuel savings, estimated EU ETS cost reduction and expected CII rating improvement based on the vessel's trading profile.
There is no obligation attached to the assessment. The purpose is to give technical departments an accurate picture of what the system delivers on their specific vessel before any commercial decision is made.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does retrofitting a CWS wingsail require a drydocking?
No. The CWS system is designed for retrofit onto existing vessels without a drydocking requirement. Installation can be planned around a vessel's trading schedule rather than dock availability. For newbuilding orders, integration during construction is also available, which simplifies the structural installation process.
How does wind-assisted propulsion reduce EU ETS costs?
EU ETS charges apply to CO2 emissions from vessels operating in EU waters. By reducing fuel consumption through wind assistance, the system directly lowers the vessel's CO2 output and therefore its ETS liability. The reduction is measurable and verifiable against the vessel's actual trading profile, making the cost benefit calculable for technical and commercial planning purposes.
What is the CII impact of installing a CWS wingsail?
CII ratings are based on a vessel's CO2 emissions relative to its transport work. A measurable reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 output from wind assistance improves the CII rating directly. For vessels currently rated C, D or E, the performance improvement may be sufficient to achieve a higher rating category, with commercial consequences for charter attractiveness and compliance positioning.
How does Resolute support CWS installation in Greece?
Resolute Maritime Services is the exclusive representative of CWS in Greece. We coordinate the preliminary vessel assessment, provide direct access to CWS's technical team in Paris, and support Greek technical departments through the full evaluation and installation planning process. A free preliminary assessment is available on request with no commercial obligation attached.
To request a free preliminary assessment for a specific vessel, contact Resolute Maritime Services directly or visit the CWS section of our website.
