Steering shipowners towards financing wind-powered vessels: Association Wind Ship, partners release ‘first-ever’ guide

Association Wind Ship, a French organization established in 2019 to promote wind propulsion in commercial shipping, has released its inaugural guide to assist shipowners in securing financing for wind-powered vessels. The “Practical Guide to Financing Wind-Powered Vessel Projects” was introduced on April 29, 2025, with the aim of helping project owners understand the necessary steps for building ships powered by wind energy. Developed in collaboration with partners Crédit Industriel et Commercial (CIC) and Crédit Maritime – Banque Populaire Grand Ouest (BPGO), the guide is intended to aid shipowners in comprehending banks’ requirements, creating a solid financing proposal, and structuring their projects effectively.

While the guide specifically focuses on the financial aspects of wind ship projects, it is emphasized that the technical aspects must also be addressed concurrently. The Association Wind Ship stresses the importance of collective effort from all stakeholders to drive progress in wind propulsion for ships. Lise Detrimont, General Representative of the Association Wind Ship, highlighted the collaborative nature of the guide and its role in supporting the decarbonization of maritime transport through wind propulsion technology.

In alignment with efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the maritime sector, French organizations have been actively exploring wind-assisted ship propulsion as a promising solution. The recent order placed by French activist shipping company Windcoop for a wind-powered container vessel represents a significant milestone in this direction. The vessel, equipped with innovative wingsails, is scheduled for construction in 2026 and is expected to start operations in May 2027 on a route between Madagascar and France.