FastRig Wind Propulsion System Proves Fuel Savings in UK Sea Trials, Paving the Way for Scalable Decarbonization

Smart Green Shipping (SGS), a UK-based systems design specialist, has completed successful sea trials of its FastRig wind-assisted propulsion system aboard the MV Pacific Grebe, a specialized vessel used for transporting nuclear materials. The trials, conducted in late 2024 as part of the Winds of Change project under the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 3 (CMDC3), mark a critical milestone in proving the viability of scalable, low-carbon propulsion solutions for commercial shipping.

Installation of the FastRig was achieved using SGS’s streamlined, modular approach that enables easy quayside deployment and removal. The entire process—from installation and live testing to full removal—was completed within eight weeks, without disrupting the vessel’s structural integrity or operational schedule.

“FastRig was engineered to address key concerns voiced by shipowners: installation downtime, navigational visibility, added deck load, and energy overhead,” explained Diane Gilpin, CEO of Smart Green Shipping. “Its retractable, lightweight structure eliminates the need for deck reinforcements and operates without auxiliary fans or motors, reducing both complexity and power consumption onboard.”

In a first for the maritime industry, SGS chartered the vessel itself, ensuring full access to performance data and allowing sea trials to be carried out in accordance with International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC) standards. This facilitated a comprehensive and scientifically validated evaluation of system performance under real-world sea conditions.

Independent analysis by the University of Southampton and clean maritime consultancy Houlder confirmed that the FastRig, when combined with the FastRoute voyage optimization software, can deliver up to 40% annual fuel savings—potentially rising to 60% under optimal conditions. FastRoute works by integrating wind, current, and vessel performance data to determine the most energy-efficient sailing paths, dynamically adjusting recommendations based on weather and route parameters.

The system’s compact design ensures minimal interference with deck operations, while radar-assisted visibility systems maintain safety in all weather conditions. When not in use, FastRig can be securely stowed, preserving deck space and eliminating the risk of obstruction during loading or docking operations.

Why cable infrastructure matters in wind propulsion
As shipping systems become increasingly digitized and reliant on renewable technologies, the role of electrical infrastructure—especially cabling—grows ever more critical. In wind propulsion systems like FastRig, cables are responsible for transmitting both control signals and operational data between sensors, actuators, onboard computing systems, and power sources.

To function reliably in marine environments, these cables must withstand extreme mechanical stresses, including constant motion, torsional loads, saltwater exposure, UV radiation, and fluctuating temperatures. Marine-grade hybrid cables are often deployed in such systems, integrating fiber optics and copper conductors for both data and power transmission. Additionally, specialized jacketing materials are used to ensure flame retardancy, oil resistance, and long-term flexibility, all while maintaining compliance with international maritime standards such as IEC 60092 and NEK 606.

Efficient cabling not only ensures operational continuity but also supports future retrofits, enabling vessel operators to integrate propulsion and energy management systems with minimal disruption to existing infrastructure. As wind propulsion scales across global fleets, this foundational technology will remain central to safety, reliability, and system interoperability.

Support and path to commercialization
One of the key financial backers of the FastRig initiative is Drax Group, a global leader in renewable bioenergy. In October 2024, Drax allocated £1 million in funding to the project, which was matched by the UK Government’s CMDC grant program. The collaboration aimed to accelerate the adoption of wind-assisted technologies that reduce carbon emissions and help logistics partners address Scope 3 emissions within their supply chains.

“Sustainability advances most effectively when markets adopt scalable, economically viable solutions,” noted Mark Gibbens, Head of Logistics at Drax. “Wind energy is free, renewable, and available globally. When paired with technologies like FastRig, it becomes a practical pathway toward compliance with future regulations and Net Zero objectives.”

With field trials validating its performance, Smart Green Shipping has moved toward commercial deployment. The company is actively working with vessel owners and maritime logistics partners to scale FastRig across various ship classes, including bulk carriers, tankers, and RoRo vessels.

Feichun Cable: Supporting Smart Maritime Solutions
As the maritime sector moves toward decarbonization, automation, and intelligent vessel design, the demand for robust, high-performance electrical infrastructure continues to grow. Reliable cable systems play a vital role in enabling advanced propulsion technologies, data-driven control systems, and environmental monitoring equipment.

Feichun Cable focuses on delivering engineered cable solutions that meet the complex performance requirements of marine and offshore systems. Our product development emphasizes flexibility, mechanical resilience, and compliance with global safety standards—ensuring compatibility with evolving maritime technologies.

By supporting shipbuilders, system integrators, and innovation leaders with dependable cabling infrastructure, Feichun Cable contributes to the ongoing transformation of the global shipping industry—where efficiency, sustainability, and operational reliability are more interconnected than ever before.