EconoWind sells 100th wind-assisted propulsion unit
Dutch wind-power company Econowind says it's seeing growing adoption of wind-assisted ship propulsion technology.
PHOTO: Antony Veder's gas carrier, the Coral Patula, equipped with sails. Econowind
The company has sold over 100 wind-assisted propulsion units since 2018. Currently, 32 units are in operation, 33 are either in production or ready for installation, and 37 more have been ordered. This technology has been successfully deployed on bulk carriers, tankers, RoRo and container vessels, according to Econowind.
The company attributes this growth to “shipowners’ drive to cut fuel consumption, reduce CO2 emissions, and comply with tightening global regulations.”
WAPS gaining traction
“Currently, there are 60 large ships installed +10 small traditionally rigged cruise vessels in operation and 7 wind-ready. This…includes 4 primary wind vessels. We have 80+ on order or under construction and a further 50+ announced but not yet ordered,” according to International Windship Association (IWSA) secretary Gavin Allwright.
“As installation numbers reach 100+ in the second half of 2025, that trend will only strengthen,” he added.
Last month, Japanese shipping company Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) delivered a multi-purpose vessel equipped with two rigid sails. In December, Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) partnered with Spanish sail manufacturer Bound4blue to install sails on one of its medium-range tankers.
That same month, Singapore-based tanker company Hafnia announced plans to explore wind-assisted propulsion installations on its upcoming methanol dual-fuel ships to enhance fuel efficiency.
The way ahead for WAPS
Up to 10,700 wind-assisted propulsion technology installations could be in place by 2030, covering 50% of bulk carriers and up to 65% of tankers, according to IWSA.
The UK Department for Transport predicts that wind propulsion technologies will grow into a £2 billion/year ($2.49 billion/year) market, with 37,000-40,000/year installations globally by 2050, IWSA noted.
By Tuhin Roy
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