Sail assisted vessels are increasingly used to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, especially on ocean going routes where wind propulsion can provide significant additional thrust. But without propeller optimization, a large share of the potential benefit can be lost. OpWind® is designed to solve this exact challenge for wind assisted ship propulsion by continuously adapting propeller pitch and rpm to the real sail contribution and operating conditions.
When sails add forward thrust, a conventional setup often runs the propeller at too low pitch and too high rpm because it must avoid engine overload when operating without sails. This mismatch reduces efficiency at the very moment wind assistance should deliver the greatest gains. OpWind automatically corrects the operating point so the propulsion system stays efficient whether the vessel is running under full engine power, partial wind assist, or strong sail contribution.
Weather, sea state, hull condition, and sail contribution change constantly. OpWind® expands the DynamicDrive® functionality to keep the propulsion system aligned with that variability. Using an automatic sail contribution sensing system, the control logic continuously adjusts propulsion settings for best efficiency within the available engine load margin.
This makes OpWind a practical, operator-friendly wind assisted propulsion system for sail assisted vessels. Even when wind contribution varies, operations stay predictable, schedules remain stable, and engine loading stays safely within limits.
This makes OpWind a practical, operator-friendly wind assisted propulsion system for sail assisted vessels. Even when wind contribution varies, operations stay predictable, schedules remain stable, and engine loading stays safely within limits.
OpWind® improves efficiency in a direct, measurable way by ensuring the propeller and engine respond correctly to wind propulsion input. Core capabilities include:
Automatic sail contribution sensing and real time optimisation
Dynamic adaptation to changing wind, sea, hull, and sail conditions
Integrated operation within the MPC control system for continuous adjustment
Optimised propeller rpm and pitch to avoid inefficient high rpm, low pitch operation during sail assist
OpWind® is designed for ocean-going sail assisted vessels fitted with controllable pitch propellers, where wind contribution varies across a voyage. It delivers the greatest value when vessels shift between engine-dominant operation and strong sail assist, especially in operations where schedule reliability matters just as much as fuel savings.
By keeping the propeller efficient whenever sails contribute thrust, OpWind helps operators capture more of the benefit already available from wind assisted propulsion for ships, without compromising engine safety or operational predictability.
The Tunnel Thruster system suits multiple vessel types, including cargo vessels, yachts, offshore support vessels, ferries, and fishing boats.
Improved handling during berthing and harbor operations
Reliable station-keeping and dynamic positioning (DP) assistance alongside rigs and FPSOs
Enhanced control in tight harbors and near fishing grounds
Smooth docking and low-speed handling
Quiet and efficient lateral thrust
Precise maneuvering and stable positioning during scientific operations
Investing in wind assisted ship propulsion is a major step toward lower fuel use and emissions. OpWind® ensures that the propeller delivers the same level of efficiency as the sails themselves, so wind contribution translates into real operational savings.
The result is a more efficient wind assisted vessel operation that captures maximum sail benefit without compromising engine safety, propulsion stability, or crew workload.
OpWind® is built on DynamicDrive® functionality and runs inside the MPC control system, creating a closed-loop optimization process. Sail contribution is sensed automatically, and propulsion parameters are adjusted continuously in real time to increase efficiency while keeping the engine protected.
OpWind is intended for ocean-going sail assisted vessels with controllable pitch propellers. Integration scope and system boundaries are tailored to each vessel.
Most wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) add auxiliary wind thrust while the propeller remains the primary driver. In these setups, overall efficiency depends heavily on how well the propeller adapts to changing sail contribution. OpWind® addresses this by continuously shifting the propeller’s operating point to match real conditions.
OpWind does this by:
This keeps the propeller in its optimal regime during sail assist, improving the realized benefit from any wind propulsion system for ships.
OpWind® ensures that wind assist translates into real operational savings by keeping the propeller efficient whenever sails contribute thrust. For newbuild or retrofit sail assisted ship propulsion projects, technical specialists can support system configuration, integration scope, and optimisation planning to match your vessel’s operating profile.
Contact a propulsion specialist to discuss your vessel profile and the right OpWind setup.
Berg Propulsion Tunnel Thrusters are in service on vessels operating in demanding maritime environments worldwide. Our customer success stories demonstrate how reliable lateral thrust, robust design, and seamless system integration contribute to safe docking, efficient operations, and reduced lifecycle costs.
Frequently Asked Questions. Don’t find what you are looking for? Contact us directly.
Wind assisted ship propulsion uses sails or other wind-assist devices to provide auxiliary thrust and reduce engine load. The propeller remains the primary source of propulsion, while wind contribution lowers fuel consumption and emissions. This setup is increasingly used on ocean-going routes where wind conditions can deliver meaningful assistance.
Propellers are typically designed for operation without sail thrust to avoid engine overload. When sails add forward thrust, the propeller can run at too high rpm and too low pitch, moving away from its optimal efficiency point. This is why sail-assisted vessels often need active propeller optimisation.
OpWind® optimises propeller rpm and blade pitch based on sail contribution and operating conditions. It ensures the propulsion system stays efficient during all levels of wind assist.
OpWind® is not a sail device or a standalone Wind Assisted Propulsion System. It is an optimisation function that works with existing wind-assist solutions, improving how the propeller and engine respond to wind-generated thrust.
OpWind® applies to ocean-going sail assisted vessels equipped with controllable pitch propellers. Final suitability depends on propulsion configuration and the vessel’s operating profile.
Yes. OpWind® senses sail contribution and adjusts pitch and rpm continuously in real time. This removes the need for manual tuning or fixed combinator curves and ensures consistent efficiency during sail assist.
We are looking forward to hearingfrom you and discussing how we can be of assistance in making sure that your fleet is fully covered.
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