Wind-assisted propulsion
Decarbonising the maritime sector
Rollix meets your wind assisted propulsion needs
Rollix brings the reliability and performance essential for maximising energy gains at sea. Our custom-designed slewing rings and yaw modules ensure seamless integration into all sail architectures. Thanks to our proven industrial expertise and our certifiable solutions, you can safeguard your project right from the design stage. With Rollix, you are choosing a partner capable of supporting your wind-assisted propulsion system from prototype to fleet deployment.
WAPS: a rapidly growing technology
Shipping accounts for nearly 3% of global CO₂ emissions, with growing regulatory pressure to reduce this impact.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims for a reduction of at least 40% in carbon intensity by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
The energy transition has become a strategic and economic imperative for the maritime industry.
Wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS) is recognized as one of the most mature decarbonization solutions.
- Annual market growth: ≈ 25–35%
- Adoption: Over 200 commercial vessels already equipped or currently being equipped
- Pipeline: Several hundred additional projects under consideration or in the pre-engineering phase
- Key trend: The market is shifting from proof-of-concept projects to industrialized and certified solutions.
Measured benefits and return on investment
WAPS technologies enable:
A 5% to 30% reduction in fuel consumption, depending on the type of vessel and the technology
An equivalent reduction in CO₂ emissions
Observed ROI: generally between 3 and 7 years, depending on the operational profile. A direct way to boost competitiveness.
Growth since 2020
Since 2020, sail propulsion has seen a significant surge in growth, driven by two major factors: first, the tightening of international regulations through the IMO’s EEXI and CII requirements and the European “Fit for 55” program; and second, the sustained rise in energy costs, which is prompting shipowners to seek effective solutions to reduce their operating expenses.
This dual regulatory and economic pressure is transforming the market: investment decisions are on the rise, with sail systems being increasingly adopted not only on newbuilds but, above all, on existing fleets (retrofits), which make up the majority of the global fleet.
An evolving ecosystem
The market is consolidating around:
- Shipowners
- Naval architects
- Shipyards
- Sail system designers and integrators
- Specialized industrial equipment manufacturers
In this context, critical components (structure, rotation systems, propulsion, and control) have become key factors in performance, reliability, and service life.
Efforts focused on shared goals:
- Design flexibility
- Industrial-grade robustness and proven architecture
- Long-term availability of components and support
- Operational and regulatory performance throughout the entire lifecycle
- Production facility located close to where customers operate
Our products: from slewing rings to complete solutions
Rollix designs and supplies slewing rings and slewing modules ready for integration into your sail propulsion systems: from custom-designed slewing rings to complete modules, our teams support you through every stage—from design and engineering to manufacturing, integration, and operational support.
Rollix is capable of supporting all sail propulsion systems on the market:
Custom-made slewing rings
We provide a solution perfectly tailored to your application:
- Bearing technologies: single, double, or triple row.
- Gear: internal, external, or without gear.
- Design: sizing and technical recommendations based on your loads, interfaces, and operational constraints.
Associated elements
Pinion sized to handle your workload
Complete lubrication system: pump, lubrication gear, and distributor for lubricating the teeth and raceways.
Specific interfaces: mounting brackets/plates for integrating all of the module’s components.
Fasteners: studs, washers, nuts, screws, plastic caps…
Complete slewing modules
Modules ready for integration into your flexible sails, rigid wings, suction-type wings, kites, or rotors:
- Motors and gearboxes: proven components from critical industries, available as standard or custom-designed
- Automation: drives, controllers, control cabinets, and various components.
- Wiring & accessories: monitoring, harnesses, sensors, locking systems, and other necessary components.
Assembly, testing & shipping
Our teams follow a qualification protocol defined in collaboration with our customers, partners, and certification bodies (FAI, FAT, etc.) and offer specific logistics solutions based on our experience in the wind energy sector.
Support from A to Z
We support you every step of the way to ensure performance, reliability, and on-time delivery:
- Engineering: design, sizing, gear selection, interfaces, drives, and various functions.
- Procurement: selection and qualification of critical components.
- Manufacturing: Rollix manufacturing, critical processes, quality control.
- Integration: module assembly, configuration, FAI/FAT testing, customer support for installation and commissioning.
Operations & Maintenance: lubrication recommendations, maintenance kits, on-demand services.
Benefits for your sailing project
- Flexibility and responsiveness during the design phase (fully customized design)
- Dedicated team for your project
- Optimized lead times
- Enhanced collaboration with certification bodies
- Recognized partner to players in the wind-assisted propulsion sector with a proven track record
- Rapid integration (dedicated interfaces and mountings, factory functional testing).
- Reduced maintenance (integrated lubrication system, high-performance seals, etc.)
- Controlled ramp-up (partner of choice from prototype to fleet deployment)
- Global production (production facilities on every continent).
Contact our wind-assisted propulsion experts
Learn more about Rollix & wind-assisted propulsion
Why choose Rollix?
Rollix positions itself as the leading partner for wind-assisted propulsion thanks to a unique combination of performance, reliability, and industrial expertise:
- Foresight and leadership: Rollix perfectly meets current requirements and anticipates regulatory and technological changes, making it a key player in the market.
- Comprehensive support: We guide you throughout the project, from initial sizing to final integration, ensuring an optimized solution for your sail.
- Flexibility and global sourcing: Thanks to our various production sites, we offer different options to secure your supply chain and serve the global market.
- Certifiable solutions: Our systems are designed to meet the standards of international certification bodies.
- Proven testing infrastructure: existing test benches for critical components, derived from our expertise in wind power, enabling a unique crossover between wind power and marine applications.
- Practical experience and major partnerships: Rollix has been collaborating for several years with the leading names in sail propulsion in Europe and Asia, with operational implementations on commercial vessels.
Our commitment: to help ensure the long-term performance of your wind-assisted propulsion technology with robust, certifiable, and fully customized solutions.
Key figures to remember
- 3% of global CO₂ emissions come from the maritime sector
- Target of a 40% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030, with carbon neutrality by 2050
- 25–35% annual growth in the WASP market
- Over 200 vessels already equipped or currently being equipped
- 5–30% fuel savings, ROI in 3–7 years
FAQ
What is wind-assisted propulsion (WAPS)?
A propulsion system that harnesses wind power using technologies such as rigid sails, wings, flettner rotors, and kites to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
What benefits can be expected?
Typically a 5% to 30% reduction in fuel consumption, depending on the vessel, route, technology, and operating conditions.
What is the payback period?
In most observed cases, it ranges from 3 to 7 years.
OUR RELATED SERVICES
Study & design
Fast
Make
Logistics
Spares & services
Laboratory
Rollix, a specialist in slewing rings, offers expert technical advice and calculations. Our engineers will guide you towards the solution best suited to your application. Our sales managers will support you throughout your project, offering advice to help you optimise your purchase and performance.
Flash-butt welding
Precision machining and grinding 
Press quenching
Induction heat treatment 
Special processes