North Windships highlights commercial wind propulsion opportunities at SMM
At SMM 2026, the world’s leading maritime trade fair, North Windships will highlight the growing commercial opportunities for wind propulsion across the cargo, cruise and specialist vessel sectors.
The company is engaging with operators of tankers, bulk carriers, RoRo vessels, cruise ships, oceanographic, patrol, hydrographic and survey vessels as rising fuel costs and evolving environmental regulations strengthen the business case for wind-powered ships.
While opportunities exist across all sectors, North Windships sees the luxury and expedition cruise market as one of the most likely near-term markets for adoption.
“Passengers are increasingly seeking more sustainable travel experiences,”
said Dr Martina Reche-Vilanova, Technical Manager at North Windships.
“With their smaller vessel sizes, expedition and luxury cruise operators are particularly well placed to benefit from wind propulsion. North Windships provides the technology and expertise to turn that opportunity into commercial success.”
DynaRig
DynaRig is a proven wind propulsion system featuring a freestanding rotating mast fitted with multiple yards and square sails. With all sail handling fully automated and controllable by a single operator from within the vessel, the DynaRig has been successfully demonstrated on large modern sailing vessels and offers a practical, commercially viable route to reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
AeroRig
AeroRig is an innovative sail system that integrates the mainsail and headsail on a freestanding rotating mast with rigid booms extending forward and aft. Rotating as a balanced aerodynamic unit, it enables both sails to be controlled with a single sheet, delivering efficient performance across varied conditions. Its simplicity, reliability, fuel-saving potential and emissions reduction benefits are driving ongoing work to adapt the AeroRig for the commercial market.
WindWise
WindWise is a machine learning derived, AI-powered, design and financial optimisation tool that enables shipowners and operators to evaluate, configure, and de-risk wind propulsion investments. For a given vessel, route profile, fuel price scenario and emissions ambition, WindWise identifies the optimal wind propulsion system configuration and delivers a clear, quantified business case, including projected savings and payback period. All current Wind Power devices available in the market are included in the model; for an insightful commercial and technical due diligence service.
In Production
Two landmark DynaRig projects are currently underway at Southern Spars’ production facility in Bażanowice, Poland: Greenpeace International’s 75-metre research and expedition vessel and Project ASC58, a 58-metre adventure sailing catamaran.
SMM Visitor Information
Booth Location:
Hall B1, Upper Floor, British Pavilion, Booth 307.
Speaking engagements:
Dr Martina Reche-Vilanova will be a moderator at Windship Day, 31 August, where Fabien Rondal, Deputy International Programme Director at Greenpeace International, will present “Special Ships for Special Markets”, where the new Greenpeace vessel featuring two Southern Spars DynaRigs will be presented for the first time. Dr Reche-Vilanova will also participate in the International Windship Association Wind Propulsion Systems panel session, 1 September.
Experience DynaRig in VR:
Explore an immersive virtual reality experience that transports visitors aboard a DynaRig-equipped vessel, showcasing the operation and benefits of wind propulsion systems.
Meet the team:
Dr Martina Reche-Vilanova and Rudy Jurg, Head of Sales for DynaRig, will be available for customer meetings throughout SMM. To arrange an appointment, please contact rudy.jurg@southernspars.com.
Media enquiries:
kate.davison@southernspars.com, Senior Marketing Manager
