The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has published new guidelines intended to help shipping companies develop and implement safety management systems for ships equipped with wind-assisted propulsion systems.

Released on 30 March, the guidance sets out a structured framework for addressing the operational, technical and organisational issues associated with vessels fitted with wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS).

MTF said growing interest in wind-assisted propulsion as a way to cut fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions is bringing new safety considerations for ship operators. While wind has been used in shipping for centuries, the forum said modern systems such as rotor sails, suction sails and wing sails require new safety principles to be incorporated into company safety management systems.

According to MTF, the guidelines are designed to help companies identify procedural gaps and strengthen safety management for both newbuilds and retrofitted ships.

The report was developed by MTF members with experience in WAPS technologies and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. It sets out practical recommendations based on current industry practice and places particular emphasis on structured risk assessments.

Among the issues highlighted are the impact of wind-assisted propulsion systems on manoeuvrability, visibility, emergency preparedness and maintenance procedures.

The guidelines also encourage companies to update reporting templates so they capture WAPS-specific non-conformities, near-misses and hazardous events. MTF said this would support trend analysis and ongoing procedural improvements. In the absence of WAPS-specific certification, the report also recommends role-specific training covering system functionality, operational limits and emergency procedures.

Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Interim CEO Maritime, DNV, commented: "As the industry's decarbonisation efforts introduce new technologies and fuels, safety must remain the priority. These guidelines reflect the collective effort of MTF members and industry stakeholders in rising to that challenge. By providing the targeted recommendations needed to operate wind-assisted propulsion systems safely, the guidelines aim to support the industry during this major time of transformation."

Lars Lippuner, Director, UK Customer Maritime Services of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: "Wind-assisted propulsion systems offer significant potential, as part of the wider technology mix, to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. I welcome the publication of the MTF's latest guidelines as a further step in our shared commitment to supporting industry through a safe transition to a decarbonised future. These guidelines give companies clear, practical recommendations for managing the operational, technical and organisational aspects of these systems within their SMS."

MTF is a forum of flag states and classification societies established to provide technical and regulatory expertise to the maritime sector. Its flag state members include Japan’s Maritime Bureau, the Norwegian Maritime Authority, the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), while its classification society members are ABS, DNV, Lloyd’s Register (LR) and ClassNK.