Loading Computer Software for Wind-Assisted Propulsion (WAPS) – Ventofoil Integration in LOCOPIAS

Ventofoil Integration and Stability Assessment in LOCOPIAS

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS), such as ventofoils, are increasingly applied to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in maritime operations. While the benefits are clear, the integration of these systems introduces additional aerodynamic forces that directly affect vessel stability and loading conditions.

From a regulatory and operational perspective, this creates new requirements for loading computer software.

Loading computer challenges with WAPS

Ventofoils generate wind-dependent forces and moments that vary with wind speed, wind direction and vessel heading. As a result, vessel stability must be assessed for different operational modes, including:

• operation without wind-assisted propulsion, and

• operation with ventofoils deployed.

For loading computer software, this means that WAPS effects cannot be handled as a generic correction factor. Instead, they must be explicitly included in stability calculations and assessed against the applicable stability and WAPS-related compliance criteria.

Example vessel equipped with wind-assisted propulsion. – Image for illustration purposes.

Configurable wind contours in LOCOPIAS

LOCOPIAS is loading computer and stability software designed to support vessels equipped with Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS).

Within LOCOPIAS, this is achieved by implementing configurable wind contours, allowing the user to switch between defined operating modes:

• wind contours representing conventional operation without ventofoils, and

• wind contours representing ventofoil-assisted operation.

Each wind contour includes the relevant aerodynamic force and moment characteristics and is evaluated using the same loading computer framework. This enables consistent and transparent assessment of all loading conditions and operating scenarios.

WAPS compliance within loading computer software

In addition to conventional intact stability requirements, LOCOPIAS allows WAPS-related criteria to be assessed as part of the loading computer evaluation.

By separating operating modes and applying the applicable rules to each configuration, LOCOPIAS supports:

• formal verification of stability compliance for WAPS-equipped vessels,

• clear distinction between ventofoil and non-ventofoil operation,

• and traceable assessment results suitable for review by class or flag state.

This ensures that wind-assisted propulsion is treated as an integrated and verifiable part of the vessel’s stability envelope, rather than as an external or qualitative consideration.

Supporting modern vessel configurations

As wind-assisted propulsion becomes more common, loading computer software must evolve to reflect these new operational realities. The ability to evaluate multiple wind-assisted operating modes — including WAPS compliance — is becoming essential for safe and efficient vessel operation.

With configurable wind contours and explicit support for wind-assisted propulsion systems, LOCOPIAS provides a practical and future-ready solution for loading computer assessments on vessels equipped with ventofoils.