« PERFO » PROJECT:
A methodology for Wind propulsion performance assessment of commercial vessels

The PERFO project, a collaborative Research & Development project funded by the Pays de la Loire Region, aims at developing robust methods for predicting the performance of new wind propulsion technologies for commercial ships.

Based on software developed by the LHEEA laboratory at Centrale Nantes, and based on the experience and independence of the naval architecture agency Stirling Design International (SDI) and the engineering company Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore (BVS), the PERFO project will be able to provide a methodology for estimating the propulsion performance of sails, wings, kites or rotors by 2022, in order to reduce the consumption of ships and their impact on the environment.

The method will be calibrated and validated in close partnership with suppliers of wind-assisted propulsion technologies wishing to join this collaborative approach (Chantiers de l'Atlantique, Michelin, Ayro, Norsepower, Airseas, etc.). This method will be tested initially through case studies for conversions of existing vessels of the IFREMER fleet.

At this stage of the project, it is foreseen to develop this method from open-source tools. The methodology is intended to be an independent decision support tool for suppliers, yards, and ship owners. The confidentiality of wind propulsion supplier data will be preserved.

This 18-month project, launched in October 2021, will contribute to the reliability and credibility of this fast-developing sector and accelerate the dissemination of these new technologies. Public subsidies of 130 K€ have been awarded to the consortium following a Regional call “R&D Collaborative Pays de la Loire – 2021”.