- Dutch Maritime Innovator Econowind Expands into Deep-Sea Shipping.
- Wind Propulsion Technology Set to Cut CO2 Emissions by 15%.
- Invest International Supports Econowind’s Sustainable Shipping Vision.
Zeewolde-based Dutch maritime technology firm Econowind has been granted €1 million in development capital by Invest International to develop and test its VentoFoil XL, a 24-30 meter steel wind sail based on aviation technology. The sails, which are intended for large ships, replicate airplane wings to capture wind energy, saving fuel and lowering CO2 emissions by as much as 15%, reports Invest International.
Venturing into Deep-Sea Shipping with VentoFoil XL
Econowind has been making smaller VentoFoils for coastal shipping for some years. With the VentoFoil XL, the firm is entering the deep-sea shipping market, aiming at the 50,000 ships that sail the world’s seas. The bigger sails will bring more fuel savings and environmental advantages for ships that are at sea for long periods. Made in Zeewolde, the XL sails will be put to use all over the world shortly, helping to make maritime transport greener.
Prototype Development and Regulatory Testing
The €1 million investment will be utilized for the design, development, and testing of two prototypes of the VentoFoil XL. The prototypes will be put through exhaustive testing both on land and water before receiving regulatory clearance. The project is likely to be done by summer 2027, with Econowind already holding talks with potential buyers.
Strategic Investments and Partnerships
Michiel Slootweg, Director of Private Sector at Invest International, highlighted Econowind’s innovation and market potential: “Econowind is a perfect fit for our portfolio as an innovative Dutch scale-up driving the sustainability of shipping. With key partners like Damen Shipyards and customers among the world’s top ten shipping companies, Econowind is well-positioned for a global rollout. These international opportunities are a key reason for our investment. Development capital is often unavailable through traditional financing, but we can provide the necessary support to help bring this product to market.”
CEO Emphasizes Expansion into Deep-Sea Sector
Econowind CEO & Founder Frank Nieuwenhuis underscored the company’s strategic shift to deep-sea shipping: “With this investment, we can accelerate our focus on the deep-sea market. Having already delivered over 100 sails for smaller seagoing vessels, it is now time for the VentoFoil XL. This technology will improve fuel efficiency and cut CO2 emissions in deep-sea shipping. The market demand is high, and the potential is enormous. Wind propulsion is bringing shipping back to its roots.”
Cooperation with Regional Development Companies
Invest International partnered with Regional Development Companies (ROMs) such as the Northern Netherlands Development Company (NOM) and Horizon Flevoland, who contributed an extra €2 million in equity into Econowind. This investment fits Invest International’s goal of making the maritime industry decarbonise.
With more than 90% of international trade dependent on shipping, which accounts for 2.5% of international CO2 emissions, Econowind’s wind-powered products, such as the VentoFoil XL, represent a breakthrough in sustainable sea practices.
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Source: Invest International
