Operational and Human Dimensions of Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems: A Systematic Review Informed by Newer Safety Paradigms

The ongoing decarbonization of maritime transport has accelerated the implementation of Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS). While technical advantages have progressed rapidly, limited attention has been paid to the operational and human dimensions of WAPS. WAPS introduce novel operational demands, altered vessel dynamics, and new decision-making contexts that can be difficult to address within reactive, incident-based safety frameworks, on which current maritime competence frameworks largely rely. This paper presents a systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines addressing the operational and human dimensions of WAPS. It identifies and categorizes findings from 21 articles across four thematic areas: (1) institutional and regulatory framework for competence and training, (2) operational and work-related demands introduced by WAPS, (3) competence and skill requirements, and (4) training, learning and safety practice. The review shows that WAPS operations are characterized by increased operational variability, new navigational demands, and reliance on experience-based decision-making, while formal competence requirements and training provisions remain fragmented and underdeveloped. Understood in the light of newer safety paradigms (NSP), the results highlight the need for training and safety management approaches that support operational adaptation and learning under conditions of uncertainty.