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Short course · Machinery and electrics

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.

100% online300 hours5 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

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.

Study plan

01Principles of Wind Propulsion60 h
Why wind can drive a ship. The history of sail in maritime transport and the fundamentals of aerodynamics. The Magnus effect, whereby a body rotating in an airflow generates a lateral force. How apparent wind and the ship's heading combine, and an estimate of the fuel-saving potential.
02Available Technologies60 h
The wind-assistance systems in use today. Flettner rotors, rotating cylinders that exploit the Magnus effect, and rigid sails with an aerofoil profile. Suction sails, which lower the pressure on one face to generate thrust, and towing kites, which capture wind at altitude. Comparison of the different technologies.
03Integration on Board60 h
How to install these systems on a real ship. Equipment arrangement and available deck space. Effects on stability and heel, and structural and foundation requirements. Impact on visibility from the bridge and compatibility with cargo operations.
04Operation and Route Optimisation60 h
Day-to-day use of the systems. Automatic control of the equipment and weather-based route planning. Operating limits, including behaviour in storms. Maintenance tasks and how to train the crew to run the system safely.
05Economics, Regulation and Practical Case60 h
Linking the technical side with economics and regulation. Investment costs and payback period. How wind assistance affects the EEXI and CII indicators and how European regulation recognises it. Examples of ships in service with their results, and a practical installation case on a specific vessel.

Duration and format

300hours in total
5modules of 60 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round

At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 30 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 15.

What you will learn

  • Explain the aerodynamic principles.
  • Compare the technologies.
  • Estimate the savings.
  • Analyse the integration on board.
  • Operate the system.
  • Relate it to the regulatory framework.

Career outcomes

  • Energy efficiency technician in shipping companies and technical offices.
  • Officer on wind-assisted ships, responsible for operating the systems.
  • Decarbonisation consultant assessing technologies.
  • Technical sales engineer for wind propulsion systems with manufacturers and integrators.

Entry requirements

  • 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.

How to enrol

Enrol online

Complete your enrolment on this page, or apply through admissions if you prefer to talk to us first.

Receive your access

We send you the details to enter the virtual campus and start the programme.

Study at your pace

Work through the modules when it suits you and complete the programme from anywhere in the world.

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