Today, different actors such as naval architects, regulators, shipowners and technology providers, often use different terms to describe the same concepts. This lack of standardization leads to confusion, so in this article we aim to define a clear glossary of key terms and concepts related to wind propulsion.

The momentum behind wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) is undeniable. Shipowners, charterers, and regulators are increasingly relying on wind to cut emissions and fuel costs. Yet one question dominates the debate: how much can these systems really deliver?

The maritime industry stands at a turning point in 2025. We analyze why wind propulsion has re-emerged, not as a nostalgic nod to the past, but as a cutting-edge technology delivering measurable efficiency gains to meet strict IMO decarbonization goals.