- NYK Bulkship, a subsidiary of Japanese shipping major NYK, has installed two wind-assisted ship propulsion units on the bulk carrier NBA Magritte.
- The propulsion system VentoFoil has a 16-meter vertical wing that acts as suction sail which expects about five times as much force compared to no-suction versions.
NYK Bulkship (Atlantic) N.V., a subsidiary of the NYK Group, installed two wind-assisted propulsion units on the bulk carrier NBA Magritte at the port of Rotterdam, Netherlands, reads a NYK press release.
This installation is the first of its kind on an NYK Group vessel.
Wind-assisted propulsion units
The VentoFoil units, mounted on a 20-foot-long (approximately 6-meter) flat rack container, feature a 16-meter vertical wing designed to act as a suction sail. This design is expected to provide significantly more force compared to non-suction versions.
NBAtlantic plans to collect data on the propulsion efficiency of the VentoFoil, along with meteorological and oceanographic conditions, to assess its performance. This research will be conducted in collaboration with Cargill International Inc. and NYK’s R&D subsidiary, MTI Co., Ltd.
This installation aligns with broader industry efforts to explore and implement technologies aimed at reducing GHG emissions from maritime operations.
Key Features of VentoFoil
- Propulsion Mechanism: The VentoFoil generates propulsion by creating a pressure difference across both sides of the wing. This is anticipated to contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during navigation.
- Wind Intake: The unit captures wind through a suction port to enhance propulsion by amplifying the pressure difference.
- Operation: The system can be activated and deactivated using a touch panel installed on the bridge, designed to not increase the crew’s workload.
- Size and Installation: The unit is compact compared to similar wind equipment, facilitating easy installation and relocation.
- Folding Mechanism: The VentoFoil can be folded in approximately 5 to 6 minutes, allowing it to be stored out of the way during cargo handling.
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Source: NYK Line
