Sunita Somvanshi
Anisha Sharma
On July 8, 2024, NYK Bulkship (Atlantic) N.V. (Head Office: Antwerp, Belgium; “NBAtlantic”), a subsidiary of the NYK Group, installed its first wind-powered ship propulsion units on the NBA Magritte bulk carrier. This installation, which took place at the port of Rotterdam, marks the NYK Group’s first use of this technology and will venture into the future to further this technology. The NBA Magritte, equipped with two recently installed VentoFoil units, is under a long-term charter contract with Cargill (USA) and showcases innovative advancements in ship propulsion.
These VentoFoil units were developed by Econowind, a Dutch-based company. The units are set up on 20-foot-long flat rack containers with 16-meter vertical wings. VentoFoils are suction sail type wind-assisted propulsion systems designed to enhance cargo loading and unloading operations by being foldable. The suction sail concept operates similarly to an airplane’s wing, with a suction port that creates additional propulsion force through pressure differences on each side of the wing. NYK has announced that this suction design is expected to produce approximately five times the force compared to foils without the suction design.
The VentoFoil units, functioning as suction sails, are anticipated to generate about five times more force than non-suction alternatives. Key components of VentoFoil include amplified propulsion, utilizing pressure differences on both sides of the wing to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and create a safer environment. The suction port increases propulsion by allowing wind to enter the vessel, and it can be activated or deactivated via a touch panel on the bridge, which helps reduce crew workload and enhance productivity. The smaller size of the units allows for easier installation and relocation, and they can be folded in 5 to 6 minutes, facilitating cargo handling. The equipment was installed between the hatches, with each sail standing approximately 52.5 feet (16 meters) tall and fixed on a 20-foot-long base, allowing the sails to fold down. NYK notes that the sails can be folded in about five to six minutes and controlled from a touch panel on the bridge.
Technology developer Econowind states that its proprietary wind-assisted system, VentoFoil, can reduce marine fuel consumption by 15% through its vertical wing, which converts wind into extra thrust. Boomsma Shipping’s Managing Partner, Johan Boomsma, praised the system’s accessibility. Two years ago, the company agreed to install two VentoFoil units on board a vessel as part of the EU-funded Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (WASP) project. Boomsma highlighted the system’s ease of use, noting that “with the push of a button you can deploy and lower the sails again,” and emphasized that energy efficiency is crucial. He believes that factors like unit cost, fuel prices, and European ETS legislation are converging, making wind-assisted propulsion a likely standard solution in the near future.
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The NBA Magritte, built in 2013 as an 82,000-dwt Panamax bulker, was fitted with suction sails between its hatches. NBAtlantic, in collaboration with Cargill International Inc. and NYK R&D subsidiary MTI Co., Ltd., will collect data on propulsion efficiency, meteorological conditions, and sea conditions during the vessel’s voyage. This data will help evaluate the effectiveness of wind-assisted propulsion systems. The collaboration aims to analyze the data to assess the unit’s performance. NYK Group’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for its oceangoing companies by 2050 aligns with this initiative and is expected to contribute to its achievement.
The introduction of wind-assisted propulsion by the Group reflects a broader industry trend, with many ships and shipowners focusing on reducing emissions through wind propulsion systems to prevent pollution. Insights gained from this initiative will support the development and promotion of various energy-saving solutions, including wind power, for a greener future. Cargill, as the NBA Magritte’s charterer, is also exploring alternative wind propulsion technologies and other environmentally friendly shipping methods, including the construction of the first large methanol-fueled bulkers, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable shipping practices.
The installation at the port of Rotterdam and the NBA Magritte’s subsequent voyage to Brazil mark the beginning of the vessel’s journey with this innovative technology. The ship is equipped to collect data on propulsion efficiency and weather and ocean conditions to assess the technology’s effectiveness. Econowind’s system is automated and can be controlled through a touch panel on the bridge, minimizing the impact on crew workloads.
These installations represent the latest in a growing trend of wind power adoption in shipping, as more owners aim to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. NYK’s business partner MOL has set a target to achieve over 80 wind propulsion installations in its fleet by 2035.
