The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has announced the publication of new guidelines to support companies in developing and implementing Safety
The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has announced the publication of new guidelines to support companies in developing and implementing Safety Management Systems (SMS) for ships equipped with Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS).
The guidelines offer a structured approach to managing the operational, technical, and organizational aspects unique to WAPS-equipped vessels. Developed collaboratively by MTF members with experience in WAPS technologies and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, the guidelines provide practical recommendations based on current industry practices.
The report emphasizes the importance of structured risk assessments and highlights key operational implications of WAPS, including effects on maneuverability, visibility, emergency preparedness, and maintenance practices.
These guidelines reflect the collective effort of MTF members and industry stakeholders in rising to that challenge. By providing the targeted recommendations needed to operate wind-assisted propulsion systems safely, the guidelines aim to support the industry during this major time of transformation
… said Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Interim CEO Maritime, DNV.
Key highlights
The MTF review includes the following highlights:
- Crew awareness & training: The Master should ensure all relevant personnel, including pilots, understand operational changes caused by WAPS, such as aerodynamic effects and visibility restrictions.
- Designated Person (DP) knowledge: DPs should be trained in WAPS technology to oversee safety, environmental, and operational compliance per the ISM Code.
- Training approach: In the absence of WAPS-specific certifications, training should follow industry best practices, ensuring personnel can safely operate and maintain the system, understand risks, and perform critical tasks like deployment and feathering.
- Operational impact & procedures: WAPS can significantly affect navigation and port operations. Procedure development should rely on structured risk assessments due to limited operational data and safety standards.
- Emergency preparedness: WAPS can create or worsen emergencies. Companies should develop tailored emergency response procedures and conduct drills involving shipboard and shore-based teams.
- Reporting & monitoring: Due to limited experience with WAPS, a precautionary, inclusive reporting framework should track non-conformities, accidents, and hazards, with templates adapted to capture WAPS-specific data.
- Maintenance practices: WAPS maintenance should follow supplier guidance and industry best practices, including related equipment like CCTV and HMI systems.
- Document control: With evolving regulations and standards, strong control of WAPS-related documents within the Safety Management System (SMS) is critical.
The guidelines underscore the importance of learning and continuous improvement during the early phases of technology adoption. Companies are encouraged to adjust reporting templates to capture WAPS-specific nonconformities, near misses, and hazardous events, enabling trend identification and procedural refinement.
Noting the absence of WAPS-specific certifications, the guidelines encourage role-specific training focused on system functionality, operational limits, and emergency procedures.
By offering clear, experience-based guidance aligned with the ISM Code, the new MTF guidelines aim to support the safety management of ships using WAPS as both technologies and regulations continue to evolve.
Wind-assisted propulsion systems offer significant potential, as part of the wider technology mix, to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. I welcome the publication of the MTF’s latest guidelines as a further step in our shared commitment to supporting industry through a safe transition to a decarbonized future
… commented Lars Lippuner, Director, UK Customer Maritime Services of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
To remind, previously, MTF had published guidelines for conducting qualitative risk assessments for alternative-fuelled ships.
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