Last week, the installation of two Econowind mechanical sails was completed on Jumbo’s heavy-lift vessel Jumbo Jubilee. For Econowind it is the first time that its Ventofoils are placed on a heavy-lift vessel.

Along with new anti-fouling measures on the propellers, ongoing monitoring of the hull’s anti-fouling layers, and the eco-control upgrade to the propulsion system, Jumbo seeks to operate the vessel more efficiently.

By consuming less fuel, Jumbo wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The new eco-control system optimises fuel use by minimising consumption at a set speed, while the sails generate additional thrust, reducing the burden on the main engines and further cutting fuel usage.

Jumbo Jubilee with Econowind VentoFoils
Jumbo Jubilee with Econowind VentoFoils (by Jumbo Maritime).

‘At Jumbo, we believe that every step towards sustainability is crucial,’ says Daan Koornneef, CEO of Jumbo. ‘The installation of these mechanical sails on Jumbo Jubilee is a testament to our commitment to decarbonisation and innovation. While there’s always more work to be done, initiatives like this propel us closer to a greener maritime industry. We’re proud of our team’s continued efforts in making Jumbo a leader in sustainable shipping.’

Also read: Jumbo Javelin completes job at Yunlin Offshore Wind Farm

VentoFoils

Econowind mentions on its LinkedIn page that the heavy-lift vessel market is a new sector for its VentoFoils and that the units in question are rented by Jumbo.

VentoFoils suction wings harness wind power in a revolutionary way that sets them apart from conventional rigid windsails. You can best describe Econowind’s invention as a vertical aircraft wing that converts wind into forward thrust of the ship. Internal fans reinforce the effect, thus making a significant difference to the consumption of fuel.

Pictures by Jumbo.

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