NYK Group company NYK Bulkship Atlantic (NBAtlantic) of Antwerp, Belgium, is to introduce a wind-assisted ship-propulsion unit on a bulk carrier engaged in a long-term charter contract with Cargill International.
This will be the first time such a unit has been installed on an NYK Group vessel. NBAtlantic will equip the bulk carrier with a VentoFoil wind-assisted propulsion unit from Dutch wing sail producer Econowind. This unit is expected to help reduce GHG emissions during vessel navigation. NBAtlantic will collect data on the propulsion generated by this equipment, in addition to meteorological and ocean conditions during navigation, and measure the unit’s effectiveness in collaboration with Cargill International.
Sitting on a 20ft-long flat rack container with no walls, VentoFoil has a 16m vertical wing that plays the role of a sail. Like an aircraft wing, VentoFoil creates propulsion with the pressure difference on both sides of the wing. The unit takes in wind through its suction port and obtains greater propulsion by amplifying the pressure difference. VentoFoil is smaller than similar equipment, keeping it more out of the way of cargo handling. It is also said to be easy to install and relocate.
This initiative is part of NYK’s long-term target of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 for the NYK Group’s oceangoing businesses. The NYK Group will use the knowledge gained in this research and development to promote initiatives related to various energy-saving technologies, including the use of wind power. The initiative is part of NYK’s ‘Sail Green’ brand, which emphasizes NYK’s efforts to reduce GHG emissions through the transport of goods and contribute to the eco-friendly supply chains of its customers.
