Design and Analysis of an Integrated WASP system in an on-deck crane

Abstract

To address the maritime industry’s need for reduced fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, this study explores the integration of wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) into existing deck equipment. Specifically, it investigates the feasibility and performance of incorporating a Flettner rotor into a crane structure on a general cargo vessel. A concept development phase identified the rotor-integrated design as the most promising option, followed by a performance evaluation phase using four case studies. These cases examined the effects of rotor sizing, rotor positioning, wake interference from cargo, and the aerodynamic impact of the crane boom. Results show that while integrated rotors face performance constraints compared to standalone systems, mainly due to size limitations, their elevated mounting position can offer advantages. The study concludes that integrating a Flettner rotor into a crane is viable, offering space-saving benefits, though further research is needed to refine aerodynamic modeling and validate the mechanical design.