Harness
the wind,
navigate the future
The shipping industry is at a critical crossroads.
Responsible for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the shipping industry faces an urgent need to decarbonize. Experts predict that by 2050, 30% of commercial vessels will incorporate wind propulsion to help reduce emissions. Winds4Change is actively working to turn this vision into reality, showcasing innovation and solutions for a cleaner, more sustainable maritime future.
How do we scale wind propulsion?
We combine innovation, collaboration, and action to accelerate the transition to sustainable shipping.
Our Approach
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Innovations led by TU Delft and Erasmus University.
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Real-world examples demonstrating effectiveness.
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Addressing barriers such as costs and regulations.
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Collaborating with governments and industry leaders.
We are on a mission
…to accelerate the uptake of wind propulsion technology in The Netherlands.
Our strategic objectives
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Unite experts, consolidate knowledge and explore blue economy opportunities, by direct use of wind energy in ship propulsion.
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Promote the adoption of wind propulsion technologies and promote innovative business models
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Bring together Dutch industrial partners to showcase strengths in architecture and manufacturing of Wind Assisted Systems
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Organize a series of innovation and knowledge-sharing workshops
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Create policy recommendations and turn this into a strategic roadmap for Dutch policymakers
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Strengthen partnerships between industry leaders, government bodies, and academic institutions to drive research, innovation, and investment
Meet the team
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Dr. Ir. Albert Rijkens
TU Delft
Albert is the Principal investigator in the project and program manager of the TU Delft Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion research program. Within this role he has developed the research strategy and initiated the individual research projects. -
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Dr. Maurice Jansen
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Maurice is a Senior researcher and Business developer teaching on the Minor Port Management & Maritime Logistics programme. His role is conducting action-research and contribute to the design of workshops as interventions with and for stakeholders. He manages student teams researching wind propulsion business opportunities under the wider umbrella of Zero Emissions Generation. -
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Dr. Ir. Alberto Rius Vidales
TU Delft
Alberto is aerodynamic research lead in the TU Delft WASP research program and has from this role excellent insights on the state-of-art of wind propulsion technologies. He consolidates this research to inform industry and stakeholders about the technological possibilities of high tech wind propulsion for the Maritime industry. -
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Emiel Zoutwelle-Tuk
TU Delft
Emiel is Office Manager at the department of Maritime and Transport Technology and is the lead on organizing all Winds4change events and communications. -
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Eelco Leemans
Leeway Marine Consultancy
Eelco Leemans is a maritime expert with decades of experience in policy advocacy and environmental protection. He regularly engages with Dutch and IMO policymakers, championing ambitious regulations to reduce shipping pollution. With a background as a commercial seafarer, Eelco possesses deep industry knowledge and firsthand experiences of maritime operations. Previously, he served as Director of the North Sea Foundation.
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Dr. Lucy Gilliam
Consultant
Lucy is an environmental scientist by background and the initiator of the Winds4Change project bringing the team together. With a background in NGO campaigning, Lucy has been instrumental in driving science-based policy advocacy at both EU and UN levels. Her expertise bridges the gap between research, campaigns, and policymaking, fostering innovative solutions for environmental challenges.
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Samir Currimjee
Erasmus university
Samir is currently pursuing a master's degree in economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam, specializing in Urban, Port, and Transport Economics. He focuses on understanding the perceived barriers that prevent the private sector from adopting new technologies. To put it simply: why isn’t the shipping industry, along with its various stakeholders, embracing the potential of wind-assisted shipping?
Our partners
Join our mission
Do you share our passion for innovation, sustainability, and creating a cleaner future for the maritime industry?
At Winds4Change, we believe that collaboration is the key to making wind propulsion the driving force behind greener shipping.
We’re calling on like-minded innovators, visionaries, and changemakers to join our mission.
Together, we can navigate toward a cleaner, greener, and more resilient maritime future.