Dutch company Econowind has successfully installed four 16m VentoFoil wind assisted propulsion units onboard the chemical tanker ‘Jutlandia Swan’, owned and operated by Danish shipping company Uni-Tankers.
The ATEX-proof Wind-Assistance units were installed in four days in the port of Rotterdam. The installation is considered to mark another important step in the growing adoption of wind-assisted ship propulsion technology for tankers. With over 130 VentoFoils sold to date, Econowind continues to expand its footprint in the commercial fleet, offering practical solutions that reduce emissions and help vessel owners comply with tightening regulations.
Chiel de Leeuw, CCO Econowind, said: “This is the fourth tanker to sail with VentoFoils. It shows how our suction wing technology is gaining traction in the tanker segment. Thanks to our experience and ATEX-approved systems, we know what’s required for these vessels. And we’re proud to support Uni-Tankers as they take this important step.”
Jutlandia Swan is a 124m x 20m chemical tanker. Inspired by a similar setup on a Chemship parcel tanker, Uni-Tankers saw an opportunity to apply wind propulsion to one of its own vessels, aligning with ambitions to decarbonise operations.
The project was carefully prepared in advance. During a scheduled drydock in Turkey, the foundation works were carried out. Once the vessel arrived in Rotterdam, the commissioning process proceeded swiftly at Rotterdam Offshore Group (ROG), underlining how easily VentoFoils can be integrated into operational workflows.
The system is currently undergoing classification with Bureau Veritas and is expected to deliver strong performance: a 10% improvement in EEXI and a 3% contribution towards FuelEU Maritime compliance is expected. According to the company, this makes the business case not only technically viable but also economically compelling.
Kristian Larsen, Technical Director, Uni-Tankers, said: “Wind-assisted ship propulsion has clear potential — but its real value depends on how well it integrates into daily operations. Now we’ll be able to test how these sails behave at sea, what they mean for fuel efficiency, and how the crew can work with them in practice.”
With wind seen as a key pillar in Uni-Tankers’ decarbonisation strategy, the Jutlandia Swan will now serve as a test case for integrating suction-based wind propulsion in everyday tanker operations.
Image: ‘Jutlandia Swan’ with VentoFoils installed (source: Econowind)
