The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has published new guidelines to support companies in developing and implementing safety management systems (SMS) for ships equipped with wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS), the organisation announced on 31 March.

The guidelines, developed collaboratively by MTF members with experience in WAPS technologies and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, offer a structured approach to managing the operational, technical and organisational aspects specific to WAPS-equipped vessels, covering both newbuilds and retrofitted ships.

Interest in wind-assisted propulsion as a means of reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has been growing across the shipping industry. Modern WAPS technologies, including rotor sails, suction sails and wing sails, introduce safety considerations that must be integrated into a company's SMS, according to the MTF. The new guidelines are intended to help companies identify procedural gaps and strengthen their safety frameworks accordingly.

The report emphasises structured risk assessments and highlights key operational implications of WAPS, including effects on manoeuvrability, visibility, emergency preparedness and maintenance practices. Companies are also encouraged to adjust reporting templates to capture WAPS-specific non-conformities, near-misses and hazardous events, enabling trend identification and procedural refinement.

Noting the absence of WAPS-specific certifications, the guidelines encourage role-specific training focused on system functionality, operational limits and emergency procedures.

Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Interim CEO Maritime at 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 of UK Customer Maritime Services at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, stated: "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."

The MTF is a forum of flag states and classification societies established to provide technical and regulatory expertise to the maritime industry. Its flag state members include Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Maritime Bureau, the Norwegian Maritime Authority, the UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. Classification society members are ABS, DNV, LR and ClassNK.

The guidelines are available to download via the MTF website.