Econowind is moving further into the deepsea shipping segment with the launch of a larger wind propulsion system designed for oceangoing vessels.
The company’s new VentoFoil 5-series stands 30 metres high and builds on the same core principles as its smaller 16-metre 3-series suction wing. The earlier design has already sold more than 150 units to operators including Chemship, Terntank and Uni-Tankers.
The first 5-series installation is scheduled for this summer on a vessel operated by Boomsma Shipping, an existing Econowind customer and one of the early adopters of wind-assisted ship propulsion.
Boomsma Shipping’s Johan Boomsma said wind propulsion has already demonstrated both economic and environmental value, and that high fuel prices are adding to the urgency of adopting such solutions. He said energy efficiency remains high on the company’s agenda and noted that all eight of its newbuild vessels are being delivered wind-ready. The first of those ships, Frisian Future, is due to enter service in May.
Boomsma has prior experience with Econowind systems. Its vessel Frisian Sea was fitted with two flatrack-mounted VentoFoils in 2021.
Econowind said it is also arranging production of the sails in Asia in order to move manufacturing closer to the shipyards where most new vessels are being built, making integration into newbuild projects easier.
Chief commercial officer Chiel de Leeuw said the 3-series had already shown that the technology works in day-to-day operation. With the 5-series, he said, the company is now bringing that proven concept into the deepsea market.
Econowind’s suction wings generate thrust from wind, reducing demand on the main engine and thereby lowering both fuel consumption and emissions.
The company said it is now focused on larger vessels and longer trading patterns, where the fuel-saving benefits of wind-assisted propulsion become even more attractive.
