Econowind wants to enter the deep-sea shipping market

Dutch wind power company Econowind has secured €1 million ($1.04 million) in funding to test its new wind sail technology for deep-sea shipping.

PHOTO: Econowind’s chief executive Frank Nieuwenhuis showcasing the company's wind sail technology. Econowind

Econowind has conceptualised a 24-30-metre-high steel wind sail for larger vessels. The technology is inspired by airplane wings.

The first two prototypes are expected to be fully developed and tested by 2027, the company said.

Larger ships spend extended periods at sea and consume significant amounts of fuel. These larger sails are designed to maximise fuel savings and further reduce CO2 emissions, Econowind’s chief executive, Frank Nieuwenhuis, said.

The company estimates a potential market of 50,000 deep-sea vessels worldwide.

“The market demand is high, and the potential is enormous. Wind propulsion is bringing shipping back to its roots,” Nieuwenhuis added.

By Konica Bhatt

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