Japanese shipowner Nissen Kaiun has become a shareholder in Dutch wind-assisted ship propulsion pioneer Econowind. Through the partnership, Econowind hopes to expand its product line while also considering production options in Asia.
The Imabari-based shipping company, which operates a diversified fleet through several subsidiaries, said it had chosen Econowind for its technology. The move highlights growing industry interest in fuel-neutral technologies.
‘We recognised that Econowind has a mature wind-assisted ship propulsion solution in the market,’ a spokesperson for Nissen Kaiun says. ‘Making shipping more sustainable is a top priority at Nissen Kaiun. We are currently looking into installing the large version of their innovative VentoFoils on our vessels. It is well suited to maritime conditions while being easy for the crew to use. This technology allows us to take steps in reducing fuel consumption and emissions.’
Also read: More Econowind VentoFoils for Terntank
130 units sold
Econowind has developed the VentoFoil, a wing-shaped wind-assist device that drives decarbonisation within the shipping markets. More than 130 units have been sold globally, with customers ranging from shortsea and deepsea operators across all market segments.
Daan Koornneef, CEO of Econowind: ‘The partnership with Nissen Kaiun will support the expansion of our VentoFoil product line, including larger units for deepsea shipping, and could also open the door to future production in Asia. Nissen Kaiun is the perfect partner with a large network in Japan and wider Asian markets. With them becoming a shareholder, we can expand our footprint and accelerate the development of larger units for the deepsea markets.’
The agreement comes as shipowners worldwide look for immediate steps to cut emissions ahead of tightening regulatory targets. Wind-assisted ship propulsion is gaining traction as a fuel-neutral solution that can be combined with any engine type or fuel strategy.
Picture: Anthony Veder’s Coral Patula equipped with Econowind’s VentoFoils (photo by Econowind)
Also read: Econowind installs four VentoFoils on tanker Jutlandia Swan
