Course on the use of wind energy in ships
Why this course?
The Wind Energy Use on Ships
This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement this renewable technology on board. You will learn about the different types of offshore wind systems, their operation, installation, and maintenance. You will explore the potential of wind energy to reduce fuel consumption, decrease polluting emissions, and improve the sustainability of maritime operations. This program is ideal for shipowners, naval engineers, captains, and any professional interested in the transition to greener shipping.
Differential Advantages
- Feasibility Analysis: Evaluation of wind power potential on different routes and vessel types.
- Technology Selection: Comparison of vertical and horizontal rotor systems and other innovative solutions.
- Integration with Existing Systems: How to combine wind power with diesel engines, batteries, and other energy sources.
- Safety and Regulations: Compliance with international standards and best practices for the use of wind power on board.
- Case Studies: Analysis of real-world wind power implementation projects on commercial and recreational vessels.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 25-07-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Naval engineers and ship designers interested in the integration of wind power systems and performance optimization.
- Shipowners and fleet operators looking to reduce fuel costs and comply with stricter environmental regulations.
- Marine engineering students and graduates wishing to specialize in renewable energy technologies in the naval sector.
- Wind turbine and propulsion system manufacturers wanting to adapt their products for specific maritime applications.
- Maritime sustainability consultants and experts needing up-to-date technical knowledge on the use of wind power on ships.
Flexibility and Applicability
Online course with Downloadable material, practical examples, and access to forums to share experiences and resolve doubts at your own pace.
Objectives and competencies

Integrate auxiliary wind systems:
“Analyze the contribution of the wind power system to the total energy demand, optimizing energy management and minimizing dependence on conventional sources.”

Evaluate the economic viability of wind propulsion:
“Analyze investment, operation, and maintenance costs, considering government incentives and comparing them with traditional fuels.”

Optimize the vessel's overall energy efficiency:
“Analyze consumption patterns, optimize routes and speeds, and apply trim and ballast management techniques to reduce resistance and fuel consumption.”

Reduce dependence on fossil fuels:
Optimize onboard energy management through constant monitoring and implementation of efficient navigation strategies (ecorouting, trim) to minimize consumption.

Understanding the aerodynamic principles applied to sailing:
“Identify and optimize the aerodynamic forces (lift, drag) on ​​the sails to maximize propulsion and minimize resistance, adapting the sail configuration to the wind conditions.”

Adapting the vessel to different weather conditions:
“Ensure airtightness, optimize heating/ventilation systems, and adjust the speed for comfort and safety.”
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Naval Wind Propulsion: History, Evolution, and Current State.
- Basic Aerodynamics: Wind Forces, Airfoils, Lift, and Drag.
- Types of Rigid Sails: Characteristics, Advantages, and Disadvantages of Different Designs.
- Sail Control Systems: Automation, Sensors, and Optimization Algorithms.
- Wind Power Generation: Onboard Wind Turbines, Storage, and Distribution.
- Integration with Conventional Propulsion Systems: Hybrids and Redundancy.
- Energy Management: Consumption Optimization, Energy Balance, and Storage.
- Regulatory and Safety Aspects: Certification, Approval, and Associated Risks.
- Modeling and Simulation: Tools for the design and optimization of wind power systems.
Case studies: Application examples in different types of vessels.
‘
- Introduction to Naval Aerodynamics: Fundamentals and Key Concepts
- Boundary Layer Theory: Laminar, Turbulent, and Separation Flow
- Airfoils: Characteristics, Aerodynamic Coefficients, and Design
- Wind-Wave Interaction: Effects on Ship Stability and Strength
- Superstructure Aerodynamics: Design to Minimize Drag and Noise
- Onboard Wind Systems: Types, Operating Principles, and Applications
- Analysis of the Performance of Wind Turbines in Marine Environments
- Integration of Wind Systems: Technical and Regulatory Challenges
- Optimization of the Design of Wind Systems for Specific Ships
- Impact Assessment Environmental and economic impact of wind energy in the naval sector
‘
- Introduction to Naval Wind Propulsion: History, concepts, and advantages.
- Aerodynamics of sails and rotors: Airfoils, forces, and efficiency.
- Types of wind propulsion systems: Rigid sails, Savonius rotors, Darrieus rotors, and kites.
- Design and sizing of wind systems: Power calculation, material selection, and integration into the vessel.
- Control and automation systems: Wind tracking, sail/rotor tuning, and performance optimization.
- Safety in naval wind propulsion: Associated risks, preventive measures, and emergency systems.
- Integration with conventional propulsion systems: Hybridization, energy management, and redundancy.
- Wind Turbine System Maintenance and Repair: Inspection, lubrication, component replacement, and lifespan.
- Regulations and Certifications: Safety standards, homologation, and environmental impact.
- Case studies and real-world applications: Merchant ships, yachts, and fishing vessels.
‘
- Introduction to Naval Wind Propulsion: History, Evolution, and Future
- Basic Aerodynamics: Airfoils, Lift, Drag, and Angle of Attack
- Types of Wind Turbines: Darrieus Rotor, Savonius Rotor, Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Rotor (HAWT)
- Design and optimization of Rigid Sails: Materials, Shapes, and Active Control
- Control Systems: Orientation, Sail Draft, and Safety Systems
- Integration with Conventional Propulsion Systems: Synergies, Power Management, and Redundancy
- Operation and Maintenance: Procedures, Inspections, and Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Performance and Efficiency Analysis: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous improvement.
Environmental impact: emissions reduction, sustainability, and life cycle.
Regulations, standards, and certification of marine wind propulsion systems.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
Plan de estudio - MĂłdulos
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Naval Wind Propulsion: History, Evolution, and Current State.
- Basic Aerodynamics: Wind Forces, Airfoils, Lift, and Drag.
- Types of Rigid Sails: Characteristics, Advantages, and Disadvantages of Different Designs.
- Sail Control Systems: Automation, Sensors, and Optimization Algorithms.
- Wind Power Generation: Onboard Wind Turbines, Storage, and Distribution.
- Integration with Conventional Propulsion Systems: Hybrids and Redundancy.
- Energy Management: Consumption Optimization, Energy Balance, and Storage.
- Regulatory and Safety Aspects: Certification, Approval, and Associated Risks.
- Modeling and Simulation: Tools for the design and optimization of wind power systems.
Case studies: Application examples in different types of vessels.
‘
- Introduction to Naval Aerodynamics: Fundamentals and Key Concepts
- Boundary Layer Theory: Laminar, Turbulent, and Separation Flow
- Airfoils: Characteristics, Aerodynamic Coefficients, and Design
- Wind-Wave Interaction: Effects on Ship Stability and Strength
- Superstructure Aerodynamics: Design to Minimize Drag and Noise
- Onboard Wind Systems: Types, Operating Principles, and Applications
- Analysis of the Performance of Wind Turbines in Marine Environments
- Integration of Wind Systems: Technical and Regulatory Challenges
- Optimization of the Design of Wind Systems for Specific Ships
- Impact Assessment Environmental and economic impact of wind energy in the naval sector
‘
- Introduction to Naval Wind Propulsion: History, concepts, and advantages.
- Aerodynamics of sails and rotors: Airfoils, forces, and efficiency.
- Types of wind propulsion systems: Rigid sails, Savonius rotors, Darrieus rotors, and kites.
- Design and sizing of wind systems: Power calculation, material selection, and integration into the vessel.
- Control and automation systems: Wind tracking, sail/rotor tuning, and performance optimization.
- Safety in naval wind propulsion: Associated risks, preventive measures, and emergency systems.
- Integration with conventional propulsion systems: Hybridization, energy management, and redundancy.
- Wind Turbine System Maintenance and Repair: Inspection, lubrication, component replacement, and lifespan.
- Regulations and Certifications: Safety standards, homologation, and environmental impact.
- Case studies and real-world applications: Merchant ships, yachts, and fishing vessels.
‘
- Introduction to Naval Wind Propulsion: History, Evolution, and Future
- Basic Aerodynamics: Airfoils, Lift, Drag, and Angle of Attack
- Types of Wind Turbines: Darrieus Rotor, Savonius Rotor, Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Rotor (HAWT)
- Design and optimization of Rigid Sails: Materials, Shapes, and Active Control
- Control Systems: Orientation, Sail Draft, and Safety Systems
- Integration with Conventional Propulsion Systems: Synergies, Power Management, and Redundancy
- Operation and Maintenance: Procedures, Inspections, and Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Performance and Efficiency Analysis: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous improvement.
Environmental impact: emissions reduction, sustainability, and life cycle.
Regulations, standards, and certification of marine wind propulsion systems.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to Wind Energy: History, Present, and Future.
- Basic Aerodynamics of Airfoils: Lift, Drag, Angle of Attack, Stall.
- Momentum Momentum Theory (MMT): Betz Efficiency, Axial and Tangential Induction Factor.
- Wind Turbine Blade Design: Airfoil Selection, Chord Distribution, and Angle of Attack.
- Calculating the Power Generated by a Wind Turbine: Power Curve, Capacity Factor.
- Power Control Systems: Pitch Control, Stall Control, Active Stall.
- Yaw Systems: Operation, Control, and Maintenance.
- Transmission Systems: Gearboxes, Generators (Synchronous, Asynchronous, DFIG).
- Braking systems: types and operation.
- Starting and stopping maneuvers: procedures, safety, and optimization.
‘
- Introduction to Naval Wind Propulsion: History and Evolution.
- Basic Aerodynamics: Principles of wind, aerodynamic forces, and airfoils.
- Types of Wind Propulsion Systems: Vertical and horizontal rotors, rigid sails, and hybrid systems.
- Main Components: Blades, nacelle, tower, control system, generator.
- Materials and Structural Design: Strength, durability, and weight requirements.
- Control and Automation Systems: Yaw, pitch, power control, and overspeed protection.
- Integration with Conventional Propulsion Systems: Fuel consumption optimization and emissions reduction.
- Monitoring and Diagnostics: Sensors, data acquisition systems Performance data and analysis.
- Preventive and corrective maintenance: Inspection, lubrication, repair, and replacement of components.
- Regulations and certifications: Safety and environmental standards applicable to marine wind propulsion.
‘
- Introduction to Naval Wind Propulsion: History and Evolution
- Basic Aerodynamics of Sails: Lift, Drag, and Forces
- Types of Sails and Wind Propulsion Systems: Rigid Sails, Flettner Rotors, Kites
- Sail Materials and Design: Strength and Durability Considerations
- Stability and Control of Wind-Propelled Vessels: Effects of Wind and Waves
- Control and Automation Systems: Sensors, Actuators, and Algorithms
- Performance and Efficiency: Optimizing Sailing
- Integration with Conventional Propulsion Systems: Hybrids and Auxiliaries
- Regulations and Certifications: Safety and Approval
- Environmental Impact and Sustainability of naval wind propulsion
‘
- Introduction to Naval Wind Propulsion: History, Types, and Benefits
- Basic Aerodynamics of Sails and Rotors: Lift, Drag, Angle of Attack
- Rigid Sail Systems: Design, Control, Materials, and Maintenance
- Vertical and Horizontal Wind Rotors: Operating Principles and Naval Applications
- Control and Automation Systems: Sensors, Actuators, Algorithms
- Aerodynamic Modeling and Simulation: CFD Tools and Wind Tunnel Testing
- Integrating Wind Propulsion with Conventional Systems: Energy Optimization
- Safety and Regulations: Risks, Certifications, and Standards
- Case Studies: Examples of Vessels with Wind Propulsion
- Future Perspectives and Trends in naval wind propulsion
‘
Career opportunities
- Design and Development Engineer: Design of wind propulsion systems for ships, aerodynamic and structural optimization.
- Installation and Maintenance Technician: Installation, inspection, and repair of wind turbine components on vessels, fault diagnosis.
- Marine Energy Consultant: Advising on the implementation of wind technologies in fleets, economic and environmental feasibility analysis.
- Offshore Wind Farm Operator: Management and supervision of offshore wind farms, coordination with vessels equipped with wind turbine systems.
- Marine Safety Inspector: Verification of compliance with safety regulations for wind turbine systems on ships, risk assessment.
- Marine Renewable Energy Researcher: Development of new technologies and materials for wind propulsion on vessels, optimization of Energy efficiency.
- Wind-powered vessel crewing: Operation and maintenance of onboard wind systems, optimization of wind energy use during navigation.
- Marketing and sales: Promotion and sale of wind propulsion systems for ships, technical advice to clients.
“`
Admission requirements

Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.

Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.

5. Induction
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.

Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ≥ 24” monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates

1. Online
application
(form + documents).

2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).

3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).

4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.

5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- Wind Energy Fundamentals: Learn the basic principles and potential of this renewable energy source for marine propulsion.
- Integration into Vessels: Discover how to adapt wind energy systems to different types of ships and their technical challenges.
- Benefits and Profitability: Analyze the environmental and economic impact of using wind energy, including the reduction of emissions and operating costs.
- Safety and Maintenance: Learn best practices for operating and maintaining wind energy systems safely and efficiently.
- Case Studies: Examine real-world examples of vessels using wind energy and the results achieved.
Testimonials
I successfully optimized the design of an auxiliary wind propulsion system for a cargo ship, reducing fuel consumption by 12% during sea trials and increasing the ship’s range by 5%. This resulted in a significant decrease in CO2 emissions and considerable savings in operating costs for the shipping company.
This Renewable Energy and Efficiency course provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to design and implement a photovoltaic system in my community, significantly reducing our energy costs and carbon footprint. The practical component of the course was essential for reinforcing the theoretical concepts and gave me the confidence to successfully complete this project.
We achieved a 20% fuel saving on the transatlantic route of the merchant ship “Oceanus” by installing Flettner rotor sails, exceeding initial projections and demonstrating the viability of auxiliary wind power in modern commercial navigation.
I successfully designed an auxiliary wind propulsion system for a cargo ship, reducing its fuel consumption by 12% during sea trials and CO2 emissions by 15 tons annually. This design will be implemented across the entire fleet, generating significant savings and a positive environmental impact.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Flettner rotors, which are rotating cylinders that use the Magnus effect to generate propulsion.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to Naval Wind Propulsion: History, Types, and Benefits
- Basic Aerodynamics of Sails and Rotors: Lift, Drag, Angle of Attack
- Rigid Sail Systems: Design, Control, Materials, and Maintenance
- Vertical and Horizontal Wind Rotors: Operating Principles and Naval Applications
- Control and Automation Systems: Sensors, Actuators, Algorithms
- Aerodynamic Modeling and Simulation: CFD Tools and Wind Tunnel Testing
- Integrating Wind Propulsion with Conventional Systems: Energy Optimization
- Safety and Regulations: Risks, Certifications, and Standards
- Case Studies: Examples of Vessels with Wind Propulsion
- Future Perspectives and Trends in naval wind propulsion
‘
Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. SofĂa Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. SofĂa Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor