As the maritime sector moves towards net zero, wind propulsion is once again at the forefront of decarbonisation. Through RINA membership, professionals are not just keeping pace with this shift, but helping to shape it.
Our Wind Propulsion conference brings together designers, engineers, and innovators who are rethinking how ships move - from wind-assisted systems to fully wind-powered vessels - showcasing practical solutions that are helping shape a cleaner, more sustainable future for shipping.
By taking part, members gain early exposure to emerging developments, expand their professional network, and contribute to the collective knowledge driving maritime innovation.
Catriona Savage FREng, RINA President 2025
Wind power for patrol boats? Ask the New Generation
Until now, aside from some short-sea/coastal shipping applications, wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) have tended to be the domain of 100m+, oceangoing vessels, including tankers and large cargo ships. So, it’s something of a surprise to see WAPS technology being applied to a patrol boat, as is the case with the New Generation Maritime Affairs Patrol Vessel (PAMNG) project, spearheaded by French naval architecture and marine engineering firm MAURIC.
The USV launch and recovery ‘missing link’
Military and paramilitary vessels have long used stern-based launch and recovery systems for manned vessels, but how do you launch and recover a USV, and enable multiple USVs deployed in ‘swarms’ to operate truly independently of manned vessels? Sealartec’s ALR-S converts a standard ramp at the stern of a vessel into a fully autonomous recovery system.
Marine AI looks to give uncrewed vessels a voice
The autonomy software developer Marine AI has launched a project in the hope of granting uncrewed vessels the ability to “communicate naturally” with other ships, in the manner of a human operator. The project has received the backing of the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), a branch of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) created to fund the development of innovate tech solutions for the British Armed Forces.
A new class of floating wind installation vessel
The Future FLOW Installation Vessel would run on methanol and feature a hydrodynamically optimised hull. Devised by a consortium comprising Morek Engineering, Solis Marine Engineering, Tope Ocean, First Marine Solutions and Celtic Sea Power, this new class of floating wind installation vessel is primed for energy efficiency and sustainable operations.
Sir William White, RINA President 1899-1900
24th Jun 2026 - 25th Jun 2026
14th Sep 2026 - 16th Sep 2026
30th Sep 2026 - 1st Oct 2026
