12/11/2025
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E9GDzmEzf/
Miles Keeney-Ritchie, Founder and CEO, Aloft Systems, will speak on, “ADVANCES IN WIND-ASSISTED PROPULSION SYSTEMS” at the at the 2026 Port of the Future Conference, to be held March 24-25, 2026, in Houston, Texas. The Port of the Future Conference is hosted by New Wave Media International.
Register for the 2026 Port of the Future Conference at: https://portofthefutureconference.com/registration/
Wind propulsion in modern cargo vessels is not necessarily emblematic of a by-gone age. Wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) are increasingly being used by ship operators to reduce power demand by 20% and up to 60% with route optimization, reduce fuel consumption, meet energy efficiency regulations and minimize carbon emissions. Panel members discuss new designs and advances in wind propulsion technology enhanced by Artificial Intelligence.
Miles Keeney-Ritchie is the Founder and CEO of Aloft Systems, a Colorado-based company developing modular, “Plug & Sail” wind-assist wing systems to reduce fuel costs in commercial shipping. His work centers on making wind propulsion practical for the existing fleet through sails that can be installed without downtime and integrated seamlessly with cargo operations. Aloft is also advancing vessel-mounted sensor systems that transform ships into high-frequency ocean observatories to enhance weather forecasting and maritime safety. Miles brings over a decade of experience in hardware design, robotics, and new-product introduction.
Before founding Aloft Systems, he led hardware development and manufacturing programs for robotics start-ups. He holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder and is named on six patents spanning robotics, mechanical systems, and automation. Through Aloft, he is helping bridge the gap between maritime operations, renewable propulsion, and real-time ocean intelligence, working toward a future where commercial ships operate more efficiently, resiliently, and safely.
The 2026 Port of the Future Conference will host representatives from over 60 ports worldwide from North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
This year’s event includes nine (9) informative tracks on Port Infrastructure 4.0; Increasing Ports Operational Efficiency; Ensuring U.S. Maritime Security; Developing Ports; Intermodal Connectivity; Decarbonization and Alternate Fuels; Port Energy and Sustainability; Port Security, Cybersecurity, and Emergency Management; Advances in Dredging Technology and Techniques and other relevant topics.
