Econowind has surpassed 100 VentoFoil units sold, marking a major milestone in the shipping industry’s shift towards wind-assisted ship propulsion. The increasing adoption of the VentoFoil system reflects shipowners’ drive to cut fuel consumption, reduce CO2 emissions, and comply with tightening global regulations.

Since the first two units were installed on MV Ankie in 2018, Econowind has steadily expanded its reach. Today, 32 VentoFoil units are in operation, 33 are currently in production or ready for installation, and another 37 are set for delivery in 2025. The VentoFoil technology has been successfully deployed on bulk carriers, tankers, RoRo vessels, and container vessels.

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Ramping up production in Zeewolde

To meet growing demand, Econowind is scaling up production at its facility in Zeewolde. The expanded space and optimised processes allow for higher output and shorter lead times, ensuring more shipowners can benefit from VentoFoil technology. This strategic move positions Econowind to ramp up manufacturing as the industry accelerates its shift toward low-carbon shipping solutions.

‘Surpassing 100 VentoFoil units sold is a clear sign that wind-assisted ship propulsion is gaining real momentum,’ says Chiel de Leeuw, CCO of Econowind. ‘With rising fuel costs and increasingly strict environmental regulations, shipowners are embracing wind power as a proven solution. As we scale up production, we’re eager to help even more vessels transition to greener shipping. The low weight and tiltable VentoFoils are ideal for shipowners who value flexibility.’

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The VentoFoil Family

The VentoFoil range offers flexible solutions with 10-metre, 16-metre, 24-metre, and 30-metre versions. Therefore, Econowind can cater to various vessel sizes and operational needs.

Next to the fixed mounts, Econowind offers containerised and Flatrack VentoFoil units. These can be easily transferred between vessels, making it a practical, scalable solution for shipowners looking to enhance efficiency and reduce carbon emissions while maintaining operational flexibility.

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The Wind Reward Factor

From 2025, FuelEU Maritime will tighten CO2 reduction targets, rising from two per cent to eighty per cent by 2050. Shipowners using VentoFoil technology benefit from the Wind Reward Factor (WRF), which lowers their vessel’s reported emissions, making compliance with FuelEU Maritime, Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), and the Emissions Trading System (ETS) regulations easier and more cost-effective.

By integrating VentoFoils, they reduce fuel costs, cut carbon allowance expenses, and improve CII ratings, keeping them ahead of regulations while lowering operational costs.

Picture: The Amadeus Saffier van HGK Shipping is one of the ships already sailing with VentoFoils (photo by Econowind).

Also read: Econowind to build a VentoFoil a day by 2027