MARBLE, UNIZG-FER Laboratory of Underwater Systems and Technologies (LABUST), and IEEE OES University of Zagreb Student Branch Chapter organized a lecture “Wind Assisted Propulsion” held by Prof. Vahid Hassani from Oslo Metropolitan University (Norway), as part of the MARBLE and UWIN-LABUST project.
The lecture took place on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the UNIZG-FER, Grey Hall.
Summary of the lecture
Wind-assisted propulsion is re-emerging as a promising pathway for reducing the fuel consumption and emissions of commercial ships. Recent advances in sail technologies, digitalization, and ship automation make it possible to integrate wind propulsion with conventional propulsion systems in a more effective way. This talk will present the opportunities and challenges associated with wind-assisted ships, with particular emphasis on system integration and operation. The interaction between wind propulsion, vessel dynamics, machinery, and operational decisions will be discussed. Current research activities addressing these challenges and their potential contribution to maritime decarbonization will also be presented.
Short CV
Vahid Hassani is a Professor of Robotics and Control Systems at Oslo Metropolitan University, where he is affiliated with the Department of Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical Engineering and the Applied Robotics and Embodied AI research group. His research focuses on optimal and robust control, numerical optimization, estimation, and autonomous systems, with a strong emphasis on marine robotics. Prior to joining OsloMet, he worked at SINTEF Ocean and served as an associate professor at NTNU’s Department of Marine Technology. His recent work includes autonomous marine vehicles, underwater robotics, positioning, and coordinated robotic systems for ocean observation.
