Van Dam Shipping plans to install a wind-assisted propulsion system, developed by eConowind, on its 3,600 dwt general cargo vessel, Ankie.
This is the first commercial order of eConowind’s Ventifoil system, which completed sea trials earlier this year.
The Ventifoil is a non-rotating wing that creates thrust and allows the vessel to reduce motor power. Ankie will be fitted with two 10 m wings plus two 6 m extensions.
“We expect the reduction in fuel costs over a period of approximately three years will equal the costs of the system and thus fulfill our dream of using the wind again in modern shipping, which has been 40 years in the making,” said Jan van Dam, owner of Van Dam Shipping.
