Boomsma Shipping eSigns contract with Econowind for the latest VentiFoil Installation, says an article published on their website.
What is in the contract?
Under the contract, Econowind will install two of their wind-assist VentiFoil units on one of Boomsma’s vessels.
Wind assisted propulsion solutions are making headway even with the restrictions and challenges the shipping industry is facing to fight the Coronavirus pandemic and the low oil prices.
Reduce consumption and CO2 emissions
Johan Boomsma, co-owner of Boomsma Shipping BV says –
“We believe it is necessary and very important to accept sustainability challenges to reduce our environmental footprint. Together with the IMO decarbonization goals for 2050 we want to do our part to reduce our fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as soon as possible.”
Design of eConowind-units
- The eConowind-units are both integrated in a specially designed Flatrack from which a folding VentiFoil can be deployed, these are ridged aspirated wing profiles acting as sails.
- The Flatrack is designed to optimize the handling of the VentiFoils.
- The VentiFoils (Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion Units) by Econowind are designed as optimal compact (non-rotating) wing profiles, creating superior thrust by means of the principle of boundary-layer-suction, for which ventilators are mounted inside the VentiFoils.
- Due to the generated thrust by the eConowind-unit, the thrust of the propeller can be reduced to maintain the same speed leading to fuel savings and emission reductions.
Operations and savings
Johan Boomsma added that with the help of the Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (WASP) project, part of the EU Interreg North Sea region program, they will install the innovative technology on one of their vessels and research the actual operations and monitor the savings, which are expected to be in the region of 10%. Thus will contribute to an environmentally friendlier shipping industry.
Funding for the project
The WASP (Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion) project is funded by the Interreg North Sea Europe program, part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and brings together universities and wind-assist technology providers with ship owners to research, trial and validate the operational performance of a selection of wind propulsion solutions.
Flatrack solution
Co-owner and CTO of the company said that they selected a Flatrack solution so that they can expect optimal results on their ship.
The Flatrack units can be placed at different locations on the ship and can be handled with a hatch crane, thus giving optimal flexibility.
CEO of Econowind
Frank Nieuwenhuis, CEO of Econowind said they are delighted to move onto the installation stage of the project, working hand-in-hand with the team at Boomsma Shipping.
The installation of the system is scheduled for September 2020 barring any delays given the current situation. The installation will then be monitored and evaluated throughout the rest of 2020 & 2021.
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Source: Boomsma Shipping
