Chemship’s first WAPS-powered ship to sail transatlantic route

Dutch chemical tanker firm Chemship has commissioned its first wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS)-powered vessel.

PHOTO: Chemship's vessel being fitted with wind sails. Chemship

The ship, MT Chemical Challenger, will sail on Chemship’s transatlantic route between the US’ East Coast and the Mediterranean.

The vessel is equipped with Dutch maritime wind-power tech firm Econowind’s wind-assisted propulsion system. As part of the retrofit, four 16-metre high aluminium wind sails were fitted onboard the vessel. These sails use vacuum technology to increase the wind force, thus propelling the vessel forward. 

The technology works on aerodynamic forces, creating a vacuum and causing the sails to spin. This enables the engine to consume less fuel, while also providing enough power to maintain speed and propulsive force to the vessel.

Chemship expects the vessel to achieve CO2 reduction of 850 mt/year alongwith annual fuel savings of over 15%.

By Manjula Nair

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