With the participation of BIMCO, the Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has published new guidelines to help shipping companies strengthen safety management systems (SMS) for vessels equipped with wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) such as rotor sails. The guidelines come at a time of heightened focus on energy security and cost volatility following the Iran war, which has intensified the global search for viable alternatives and supplements to conventional marine fuels.
Rising energy costs and uncertainty in fuel supply chains have accelerated industry interest in renewable and energy-efficient solutions. Against this backdrop, wind-assisted propulsion is increasingly seen as a practical and scalable option to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. However, the adoption of such technologies introduces new operational and safety considerations that must be carefully managed.
The MTF guidelines provide a structured framework to support the safe integration of WAPS into ship operations. While wind propulsion is not new, modern systems —including rotor sails, suction sails and wing sails — require a different approach to safety management. The guidelines therefore focus on helping companies identify and address gaps in existing procedures, ensuring that both newbuild and retrofitted vessels can operate safely and efficiently.
Developed collaboratively by flag states and classification societies with experience in WAPS technologies and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, the guidance reflects current industry practices. It places particular emphasis on risk assessment and highlights key operational implications, including impacts on manoeuvrability, visibility, maintenance and emergency preparedness.
Importantly, the guidelines recognise that the industry is still in an early phase of adopting wind-assisted technologies. Companies are encouraged to embed continuous learning into their SMS by capturing WAPS-specific non-conformities, near misses and hazardous occurrences. Over time, this will support more robust procedures and improved operational performance. The guidance also highlights the need for targeted, role-specific training to ensure crew are fully familiar with system functionality, limitations and emergency procedures, especially in the absence of dedicated certification frameworks.