International Windship Association (IWSA) and the Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport

The Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport (MCST) and International Windship Association (IWSA) will gather stakeholders in the Pacific region and wider international maritime industries to virtually discuss the central role of wind energy in powering ships in the Pacific past, and the potential of wind-powered vessels for future generations facing decarbonization challenges, in an online seminar on 26th October 2023.

Industry stakeholders with an interest in wind propulsion technology developments and the use of wind-powered vessels to support decarbonization across the Pacific are encouraged to participate in this celebration and informed sharing of ideas and knowledge.

The free-to-attend, two-hour online seminar ‘Pacific Wind Powered Shipping: The Past, The Present’ will take place at 9 am Fiji time/10 pm BST/ 11pm CEST. This seminar will be recorded for any participants interested in joining located in time zones where participating in evening or nighttime hours is not possible. To receive the recording, please register your interest by completing this short form: https://bit.ly/3txLMOg

During the seminar, speakers will explore the history of wind-powered shipping in the Pacific, including the Drua, a double-hull sailing boat that originated in the south-western Pacific islands, and look at the current design of wind-powered vessels for use in the region.

Regulation and policy will be a key topic discussed by speakers and IWSA Secretary General, Gavin Allwright will deliver an update from the Association on market developments, trends, and the wider growth of wind propulsion in the international shipping industry. The seminar will end with a moderated panel session and a Q&A session with the audience.

At the start of the seminar, MCST and IWSA will formalize their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Pacific wind propulsion hub. Further details of which will be communicated following the signing.