Dutch short-sea shipping company Vertom is to partner with Groningen-based Econowind with the intention of installing wind-assist Econowind VentiFoil units on several vessels by the end of 2022.
The units will be retrofitted on the general cargo vessels Progress and Perfect, following an earlier order for Ventifoils for the Anna. Econowind says that this represents its first fleet order. The vessels will receive next-generation VentiFoils, on which the suction method has been upgraded, resulting in limiting the number of moving parts. This next step by Vertom allows Econowind to further invest in production methods, making production faster.
Thomas van Meerkerk, Vertom, said: “Vertom recognised the momentum for partnerships with a clear focus on decarboniszing our business activities and supply chain. After closely considering the business case of the VentiFoil units, we are pleased to extend our collaboration with Econowind with another order for two vessels.”
Vertom has been studying wind assisted propulsion in more detail for their vessels since signing the contract for the retrofit of two VentiFoils on the Anna, which will be installed in June 2022.
Vertom made the decision to invest in the VentiFoil, by closely considering the effect on:
- EEXI, Carbon Intensity Index for existing ships;
- CII, CO2 per nautical mile in operation;
- EEOI, emission per cargo.
Rolf van Leeuwen, Senior Technical Superintendent, Vertom said: “Installing the VentiFoils is a big step forward in reducing (CO2) emissions and fuel consumption for our current fleet. It is, along with our upcoming newbuilding programme, a good step towards reducing our carbon footprint.”
Frank Nieuwenhuis, CEO Econowind, added: “We are delighted to add Vertom to our customer base and to make this next step in making shipping more sustainable together. The more installations we can retrofit, the more data we can attain and learn from. This provides us with solid proof of how wind assisted ship propulsion is reducing emissions per nautical mile and improving vessels their EEXI / EEDI. This also serves as a justification for the investment; the costs of systems can be covered by the savings.”
