Smart Green Shipping (SGS) has achieved finance-grade validation for its FastRig wind-assist propulsion system, enabling the company to warranty fuel-saving performance for the first time in commercial shipping, reports Athens' Safety4Sea.

The breakthrough follows sea trials conducted under International Towing Tank Conference protocols, with data verified by the University of Southampton. Scientists tested FastRig on a chartered vessel across multiple headings and wind conditions, comparing results against SGS's FastRoute prediction platform.

The trials confirmed strong alignment between predicted and measured performance, moving wind propulsion from concept to proven technology. SGS can now offer contractual guarantees, supporting financing and insurance structures and enabling service-based adoption at scale.

Founder and CEO Di Gilpin said the ability to warranty performance removes uncertainty for shipowners and proves wind energy is a commercially viable pathway. She added that the company is focused on delivering wind propulsion as an easy-to-buy service.

Joe Banks of the University of Southampton said the dataset was among the most comprehensive gathered from dedicated sea trials, providing valuable insight into real-world performance. The findings underpin SGS's wind-as-a-service model, which bundles forecasting, installation, operations and compliance with fuel-saving guarantees.

With shipping responsible for about three per cent of global emissions, SGS said scalable wind propulsion offers resilience in volatile fuel markets and a clear commercial differentiator in a tightening industry.