Course in Wind-Assisted Propulsion: Rigid Sails and Flettner Rotors
This course shows you how wind is propelling merchant ships again with twenty-first-century technology. You will learn about rigid sails, Flettner rotors and kites, how their contribution is calculated, and what installation, operation and fuel savings look like on real routes.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this programme gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The programme is designed precisely for that.
What is the Course in Wind-Assisted Propulsion: Rigid Sails and Flettner Rotors?
This short course explains how wind is propelling merchant ships again with today's technology. It focuses on Flettner rotors, rigid and suction sails and towing kites, together with their integration on board, the fuel savings they deliver and their safe operation.
Its five main strengths are: available technology, as these systems are already installed on ships in service; measurable savings, with calculations of the reduction in consumption and emissions; practical integration, covering stability, visibility and cargo operations; routing and weather, optimising the route to make the most of the wind; and regulatory fit, assessing the impact on EEXI and CII.
Programme highlights
- Compare rotors, sails and kites.
- Estimate the fuel reduction on each route.
- Analyse stability and the arrangement on board.
- Apply operating procedures and limits.
- Contribute to improving the fleet's CII.
Syllabus of the Course in Wind-Assisted Propulsion: Rigid Sails and Flettner Rotors
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Principles of Wind Propulsion
- 1.1. History of sail in maritime transport
- 1.2. Basic aerodynamics
- 1.3. Magnus effect
- 1.4. Apparent wind and heading
- 1.5. Savings potential
Available Technologies
- 2.1. Flettner rotors
- 2.2. Rigid sails
- 2.3. Suction sails
- 2.4. Towing kites
- 2.5. Comparison of technologies
Integration on Board
- 3.1. Layout and deck space
- 3.2. Stability and heel
- 3.3. Structure and foundations
- 3.4. Visibility from the bridge
- 3.5. Compatibility with cargo operations
Operation and Route Optimisation
- 4.1. Automatic control of the systems
- 4.2. Weather routing optimisation
- 4.3. Operating limits and storms
- 4.4. Maintenance
- 4.5. Crew training
Economics, Regulation and Case Study
- 5.1. Investment costs and payback
- 5.2. Impact on EEXI and CII
- 5.3. Recognition in European regulations
- 5.4. Ships in service and results
- 5.5. Installation case study
Duration and format of the Course in Wind-Assisted Propulsion: Rigid Sails and Flettner Rotors
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the instalment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.
Dra. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Course in Wind-Assisted Propulsion: Rigid Sails and Flettner Rotors
Career opportunities after the Course in Wind-Assisted Propulsion: Rigid Sails and Flettner Rotors
Questions about the Course in Wind-Assisted Propulsion: Rigid Sails and Flettner Rotors
It depends on the route, the wind and the ship. The course teaches you to estimate it using real data and published cases.
Not equally on all of them. The course analyses which ship types and routes are most suitable.
Yes. Wind assistance complements any propulsion system.
Yes, including installation on ships in service.
Yes, the final module analyses the installation on a specific ship.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme has a workload of 300 hours. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, which appears on this page and is confirmed by the admissions team when you request information.
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Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- Profile: technical or nautical background, or experience in the maritime sector.
- Language: sufficient command of the language of instruction to follow the classes; basic technical English is recommended.
- Technical resources: computer with a stable connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project defences.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrolmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enrol
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.