ECONOWIND
WIND POWER GIVES VESSELS WINGS
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ECONOWIND
I PROFILE
As the energy transition debate swirls across the marine industry, eConowind has quietly ramped up production to meet demand for its wind-assisted ship propulsion solutions. Now embarking on its third generation flexible, vertical ‘wing’ that converts wind into extra thrust, the company is eagerly addressing a sizeable order book. CEO Frank Nieuwenhuis explained to Andy Probert why wind power innovations on vessels are here to stay.
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iding the fair winds of fortune,
R
as the industry seeks more sustainable
business at eConowind is booming.
options in energy transition. eConowind is
However, CEO Frank Nieuwenhuis
now building momentum, with orders for
offered more down-to-earth reasons:
40 VentoFoil systems for installation on
“Hard work, self-belief and an industry
bulk carriers and chemical tankers.
playing catch-up in realising the effectiveness and power of wind: it has all
Company evolution
placed us at a distinct advantage.”
E stablished in 2018 between HCP and
Central to eConowind is its VentoFoil con-
Conoship International, a ship design
cept: a flexible, vertical ‘wing’ that converts
and engineering office in Groningen,
wind into extra thrust. The system utilises
The Netherlands, eConowind was initially
modern innovations in aerodynamics to
supported by an EU subsidy and funding
create a high propelling force relative to its
from three Dutch counties. Engineer
size. Smart suction is integrated into the
Mr Nieuwenhuis built the first two sys-
wing, doubling the VentoFoil’s force. The
tems himself. Following positive results
system can be installed either as a fixed or containerised model, as a retrofit or on newbuild vessels. With the IMO developing international regulations to achieve a 40% CO2 reduction by 2030, eConowind perfectly contributes to this as VentoFoils can help ships save up to 15% on annual fuel consumption. The innovation has caught the attention of shipping companies and policymakers
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ECONOWIND
I PROFILE
on two test ships, production is now
Four Dutch shipowners, including Boomsma
handled at the company’s manufacturing
Shipping and Van Dam Shipping, worked with
unit, employing 28 people.
eConowind on the first VentoFoil generation,
The VentoFoil is now on its third iteration,
and helped hone later adaptations.
with the first concept being located in a
eConowind has developed fixed, retrofit
container. The wing was then enlarged
and containerised models for vessels. The
before the system was upgraded 18
Flatrack VentoFoil unit is based on ISO-fix
months ago for production and simplicity
corners and can quickly be placed and
reasons. The VentoFoil can be rotated
removed. The system can be moved with
automatically to find optimal angles
the vessel’s hatch crane, and no additional
relative to the apparent wind.
harbour equipment is needed to move it.
“Our inspiration originated with Jacques
Each Flatrack can be adjusted to the
Cousteau,” Mr Nieuwenhuis explained. “In
size of the vessel. The units can be folded
the 1980s. He proved a traditional sail made
and locked onto the Flatrack in heavy or
into an aeroplane wing, and utilising suc-
unfavourable wind conditions. All equip-
tion, could help improve thrust with aerody-
ment, such as hydraulics, automation
namics. You can use a smaller footprint to
and ventilation, are integrated into the
get the same amount of force. He never got
unit. The only support of the vessel to the
to a physical concept due to the low price
unit is a 400-460V, three-phase, 50-
of oil and the abundance of fossil fuels.”
60Hz power connection.
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regardless of whether a vessel runs on traditional or green fuels. It can boost renewable fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and electricity. Wind-assisted propulsion on existing vessels reduces CO2 emissions and brings significant fuel and cost savings. “With VentoFoils, shipowners can profitably reduce CO2. Users see a positive contribution immediately after installation, which can be completed in hours.” Early adopters of VentoFoils have nothing but positive feedback. Johan Boomsma of Boomsma Shipping said: “Energy efficiency is critical for us, so we are always open to The advantage of fixing the VentoFoil
new developments. I think three key factors
units to a vessel is the possibility of using
– unit cost, fuel prices and EU ETS legislation
bigger foils. These can produce much
– are converging, so wind-assisted propul-
greater forward force and fuel savings.
sion will soon become a standard solution.
In contrast, the containerised unit is based
“eConowind’s system is making a
on a 40ft sea container and can quickly be
significant contribution to reducing ship-
stowed when not used.
ping emissions. Their proven, affordable system is easy to use; with the push of
Sustainable journey
a button, you can deploy and lower the
In 2024, the EU Emissions Trading System,
sails again.”
a cornerstone of its policy to combat climate change, will launch a CO2 tax to cover maritime transport emissions. It has become essential for ship owners to accelerate their green transformation, and eConowind is well-positioned to offer a viable option. “Wind is an inexhaustible and free source of energy,” Mr Nieuwenhuis said: “VentoFoil systems can be deployed
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ECONOWIND
I PROFILE
eConowind secured its first fleet
and chemical tankers. Several shipping
order from Dutch shipper Vertom to install
companies have closely followed the inno-
VentoFoil units as retrofits on three general
vation and ordered VentoFoils. These will be
cargo vessels.
for both retrofits and new builds.
“We are delighted to add Vertom,”
“With increased production capacity,
Mr Nieuwenhuis said. “The more installations
we can serve the market even better. We
we can retrofit, the more data we can attain
continue developing as a scale-up, and
and learn from. This provides solid proof
advanced discussions are ongoing with
about how wind-assisted ship propulsion
several investors.
reduces emissions per nautical mile and
“Most orders are from family-owned
improves vessel efficiency standards.”
shipping companies, but bigger companies are realising the need to act. One order
Powering ahead
is from a Finnish company; another is for
In 2023, eConowind has constructed eight
Japan’s container specialist, Ocean Network
wings for new clients. “There is momentum,
Express, and there is an order for four units
and our order pipeline is well-stocked,”
for a chemical tanker with a Dutch owner.”
Mr Nieuwenhuis continued. “We have 40
A significant step was achieved with
units on order through 2025 for bulk carriers
Sweden’s Terntank placing an order for 12 VentoFoil systems for three new 15,000 dwt chemical, product and biofuel tankers that China’s CMHI Jinling Shipyard is building. ‘While the Terntank order is aimed at 2025,” Mr Nieuwenhuis said, “we are in
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Econowind CEO, Frank Nieuwenhuis
serious discussions with many other shipping companies and expect to see more orders coming forward in 2024. The timing for eConowind has been relatively good, as the market wasn’t there when we started, but now it has taken off. “I am excited to be able to contribute a sustainable solution for the industry.” The company is working with other partners to increase the systems’ standard 16m height to 30m for bigger vessels. “We intend to grow as the market grows and shipping realises wind-assisted propulsion is a crucial function,” Mr Nieuwenhuis said in conclusion. “Data collected from our wings have shown they are a proven tool for helping ship owners save on costs and lessen carbon emissions. eConowind’s systems can be part of that decarbonisation journey, and I have no doubt we will have a major impact.”
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