Econowind marks 100 e-sails sold

In evidence of growing momentum in wind-assist retrofits, Dutch Econowind has marked its 100th VentoFoil sail sold, with 32 in operation, 33 in production or ready for installation, and another 37 set for delivery this year. Econowind sails are a version of the ‘e-sail’ principle using a turbine to amplify the propulsive effect of the wind.

Ease of retrofit has been highlighted as one of the key benefits of sail technology. Sails are one of the few retrofits that are cost-effective even for vessels nearing the end of their service lives. When such a candidate vessel is sent for scrap, the sail can be removed and installed on another vessel.

Econowind’s modular designs take this principle to the extreme, however. The company is unique in offering a containerised sail, which can be hoisted onto the deck of any vessel and fastened to the deck with lashings. Another offering, Econowind ‘flatrack’ enables a similar function.

While the modular nature of these systems necessarily limits their potential size and wind yield, the principle allows them to be used in segments which would not normally allow for it - even containerships, as was trialled on ONE container ship Kalamazoo early last year. Econowind is ramping up production at its facility in Zeewolde, to allow the construction of more VentoFoil sails to meet rising demand.

"Surpassing 100 VentoFoil units sold is a clear sign that wind-assisted ship propulsion is gaining real momentum," said 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 ship owners who value flexibility."