Wind ships in sustainable global supply chains: A future of Zero Carbon shipping

The International Maritime Organization has set a target for international shipping of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. A ship using wind as the main propulsion can reduce fuel consumption by up to 95 %. At the same time, logistics is in the process of a twin transition: a fundamental restructuring through digitalization as well as decarbonization. Shipping is an intermediate part of global supply chain networks, and wind-powered shipping as a part of a sustainable global logistics system can be achieved with current knowledge of ship design and with digital technologies for navigation and emissions reporting that are available or in current development. Wind ships would also develop and strengthen a culture of sustainability in society. They offer a prospect of a transition to sustainable logistics in society, in which the changes are radical, but feasible.