DynaRIg
IMO remains committed to reducing GHG emissions from international shipping and, as a matter of urgency, aims to phase them out as soon as possible, while promoting, in the context of this Strategy, a just and equitable transition.
What is dynarig?
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) guidelines now require emissions to be evaluated from production to end-use (well-to-wake), highlighting the need for truly sustainable solutions, not just at sea, but across the entire fuel chain.
Ease of Handling
Push button sail handling allows all the sails to be deployed or furled away quickly in apporx 6-8 minutes Sail set and reef sequences controlled via touch screen displays, the entire sailing system can be controlled by a single crew member.
Safety
Free-standing rigs are intrinsically safer and more reliable than conventional rigs where failure, through fatigue or overload of any single rigging element, or termination can lead to catastrophic mast failure. The absence of highly loaded lines or flogging sails on deck mean that crew and guests can move safely around. The absence of standing rigging and sheets result in a much cleaner and uncluttered deck plan.
Green
The unique sail handling system results in much more precise manoeuvring under sail enabling the sails to be used on more occasions and for much longer periods, including in close quarters of harbours and sailing on and off moorings. Ease of use leads to higher frequency of use and therefore lower fuel consumption. New vessels can be fitted with energy re-generation capabilities (BP).
proven technology
This is not experimental. It is a sea-proven system with over 20 years of global operation.
Across the Pacific, Atlantic, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Baltic, the rigs have logged more than 300,000 nautical miles and over 10,000 sail sets and recoveries — operating safely in winds exceeding 60 knots and manageable by a single person.
Maltese Falcon sails approximately 85% of the time, including two transatlantic crossings completed entirely under sail. With integrated recharging capability, voyages can be undertaken without fuel.
An embedded optical fibre network within the spars records full load and strain history from day one, delivering real-time performance data onboard.
The rigs have never been removed. Only last season was sail-handling hardware refurbished on Maltese Falcon — the first time any components required removal.
Proven. Reliable. Operational at scale.
UPWIND PERFORMANCE
Wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) are gaining traction in shipping as a way to cut fuel use and emissions. By harnessing wind to generate aerodynamic force, they help power vessels more efficiently. As a free, zero-carbon energy source, wind can play a key role in reducing the industry’s environmental impact and supporting decarbonisation.
POWER DENSITY
Throughout history, the story of global shipping has been one of the most compelling, which has shaped civilisations through ancient trade routes, powering empires, and evolving into today’s complex logistics networks. Now, as the industry looks to a more sustainable future, there’s a growing interest in revisiting traditional, wind-powered methods of transport.
COST EFFICIENCY
Wind-powered ships offer numerous environmental and economic benefits for global trade. By harnessing clean, renewable energy, it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and underwater noise, whilst lowering reliance on fossil fuels. Economically, cutting fuel costs, help meet emissions regulations set by the IMO, reduce engine wear, and enhance brand reputation. With wind as a free, stable energy source, these ships offer a sustainable and future-proof solution for the maritime industry.
LIGHTWEIGHT EFFICIENCY
Meeting the IMO’s 2050 net-zero emissions target is challenging due to limited availability of green technologies, high costs of new fuels and ship upgrades, and a lack of global fuel infrastructure. Regulatory inconsistencies, the long lifespan of ships, operational risks, and difficulties in tracking emissions further complicate the transition.
North Windships meets the challenges head on
Energy and time efficiency solved
Designed for energy efficiency, modern wind systems reduce drag and enhance aerodynamics, allowing vessels to maintain steady speeds using less fuel. Whether for newbuilds or retrofits, wind propulsion is a time- and cost-efficient step toward meeting net-zero targets with minimal operational disruption.
Fuel costs solved
Retrofits can often be completed with minimal downtime, while newbuilds can incorporate wind propulsion as part of a hybrid strategy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and helping vessels meet IMO’s 2030 and 2050 carbon intensity goals.
With no fuel costs, low maintenance requirements, and a clear regulatory advantage, wind propulsion isn’t just sustainable, it’s smart business.
