With the maritime sector accounting for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the need to reduce ships’ carbon footprint is becoming increasingly urgent. This is the context in which WHISPER (Wind Hybrid Propulsion Innovation Sustainable Project for Emission Reduction) was born. It is an ambitious European project that aims to decarbonize maritime transport using innovative hybrid technologies.

A Modular and Sustainable Modernization Solution

WHISPER’s main objective is to develop a modular retrofit solution for existing vessels, combining two complementary systems:

• A wind-solar hybrid power system capable of significantly reducing the use of auxiliary engines, which are typically high-emission generators.
• A tiltable rigid wing system providing wind-assisted propulsion, reducing fuel consumption and emissions from the main engine. This integrated approach is part of a commitment to transitioning to cleaner, smarter, and more energy-independent vessels.

CANOE, a key player in materials innovation in WHISPER

As a specialist in composite materials and innovative processes, CANOE plays a central role in achieving the project’s technological objectives.

Over a two-year period, CANOE’s teams are involved in two major technical missions:

• Manufacture of offshore wind turbine blades: CANOE is developing four composite horizontal wind turbine blades to equip onboard wind systems. These structures must combine lightness, strength, and aerodynamic performance, while meeting the specific constraints of the maritime environment.
• Development of a high-performance ice-repellent coating: Sailing in cold seas exposes equipment to the risk of ice buildup. To address this, CANOE is developing an innovative ice-repellent coating, specially designed to prevent ice from forming on the blades. This coating will help maintain the efficiency of the wind turbine system, even in extreme weather conditions.

A forward-looking European project

Coordinated at the European level and supported by the Horizon Europe program, WHISPER brings together industrial, technological, and academic partners from across Europe. Together, they aim to demonstrate that a more virtuous and eco-efficient maritime model is not only possible, but also achievable in the short term.
Through WHISPER, CANOE reaffirms its commitment to an ambitious energy transition by harnessing materials innovation to decarbonize maritime transport.

Consortium: Verkís | Sidewind | AYRO | Solbian | CANOE | Ant Topic | Dotcom | Samskip | Nav-Tech | Stirling Design International | BBA/Fjeldco | Lloyds Register | Athygli | Inspiralia GmbH

Stay connected to follow the next steps of this transformative project: https://www.whisperenergy.eu