Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Course on the use of wind energy in 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…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Course on the use of wind energy in 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.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- 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.
- Boost your future with innovative and sustainable training in the shipbuilding industry.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of wind energy applied to the propulsion and energy efficiency of boats in commercial and technical operation
- Physical principles of wind use in the maritime environment: apparent wind, real wind, lift, drag and transfer of energy to the ship
- Historical evolution of the use of the wind in boats: from traditional sailing to contemporary wind auxiliary systems
- Role of wind energy in the decarbonisation of maritime transport: reduction of consumption, emissions and dependence on fossil fuels
- Typologies of boats and operational profiles with potential for wind integration: merchants, fisheries, offshore, passengers and specialised units
- Operational variables that condition wind performance: route, speed, load regime, sea state and weather windows
02
On-board wind use technologies: rigid sails, Flettner rotors, wings, kites and hybrid solutions for propulsive assistance
- Assisted wind propulsion systems: technological classification, operating principles and scopes of application by type of ship
- Flettner rotors and Magnus effect: aerodynamic fundamentals, installation configuration and behaviour in maritime operation
- Rigid sails, articulated wings and telescopic systems - mechanical architecture, automation and structural requirements for integration
- Naval-wheel drive kites and kites: deployment, control, operational envelopes and safety and manoeuvreing conditions
- Wind and conventional propulsion hybrid solutions: coexistence strategies with motors, batteries and energy management systems
03
Naval aerodynamics, integration with the ship's architecture and evaluation of energy performance in service
- Fundamentals of aerodynamics applied to the ship: interaction between airflow, superstructures, wind devices and system stability
- Influence of the ship's design on wind power: freeboard, centre of gravity, interference, equivalent velic surface and drag resistance
- Structural integration of wind systems: loads, reinforcements, foundations, mechanical interfaces and structural safety criteria
- Effects on stability, manoeuvreing and safety of navigation: heel, additional efforts, visibility, operational interference and response in temporary
- Methods of evaluating energy savings: power modelling, route simulation, specific consumption and operation scenarios
04
Operation, control and optimisation of the use of on-board wind power in real navigation and manoeuvre conditions
- Operational Strategies to Maximize Wind Harnessing: Course Selection, Economic Speed and Coordination with Planned Defeat
- Integration with Navigation and Meteorology Systems: Routing, Wind Prediction, Dynamic Adjustment and Digital Decision Support
- Automation and control of wind devices: sensors, actuators, orientation algorithms and automatic or assisted operating modes
- Transition management between propulsive modes: startup, stop, deployment, withdrawal and coexistence with main and auxiliary propulsion
- Safe use in port operations and restricted areas: Height limitations, manoeuvre, interference and local operation protocols
05
Capstone Project for Evaluation, Conceptual Design and Operational Implementation of a Wind Energy Solution for a Ship
- Selection of the study case: type of boat, mission profile, geometric, operational and energy restrictions
- Technical-operative feasibility diagnosis: routes, wind climate, current consumption, savings objectives and integration conditions
- Selection of the most suitable wind technology: comparison of alternatives, design justification and compatibility criteria with the ship
- Development of the integration and operation scheme: on-board layout, structural interfaces, control, maintenance and procedures of use
- Expected performance evaluation: Fuel savings, emission reduction, technical risks and preliminary economic analysis
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
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 w
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Integrate auxiliary wind systems
- 02Evaluate the economic viability of wind propulsion
- 03Optimize the vessel's overall energy efficiency
- 04Reduce dependence on fossil fuels
- 05Understanding the aerodynamic principles applied to sailing
- 06Adapting the vessel to different weather conditions
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Design and Development Engineer: Design of wind propulsion systems for ships, aerodynamic and structural optimization.
02Installation and Maintenance Technician: Installation, inspection, and repair of wind turbine components on vessels, fault diagnosis.
03Marine Energy Consultant: Advising on the implementation of wind technologies in fleets, economic and environmental feasibility analysis.
04Offshore Wind Farm Operator: Management and supervision of offshore wind farms, coordination with vessels equipped with wind turbine systems.
05Marine Safety Inspector: Verification of compliance with safety regulations for wind turbine systems on ships, risk assessment.
06Marine Renewable Energy Researcher: Development of new technologies and materials for wind propulsion on vessels, optimization of Energy efficiency.
07Wind-powered vessel crewing: Operation and maintenance of onboard wind systems, optimization of wind energy use during navigation.
08Marketing and sales: Promotion and sale of wind propulsion systems for ships, technical advice to clients.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Yeah.
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 Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in Engineering (Naval, Mechanical, Energy), Naval Architecture, Nautical Studies, or a related field; or demonstrable experience in ship design, construction, or operation.Technical Knowledge:Basic knowledge of aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, control systems, and electricity/electronics.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of academic qualifications or professional experience certificates, ID/Passport, brief essay on interest in offshore wind energy.Additional Skills (Desirable):Proficiency in simulation software (
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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