FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25 September 2019
The Flying Dutchman – Wind-Assist Propulsion Coming of Age: van Dam Shipping to install latest Ventifoil® system from eConowind BV
Jan van Dam Shipping has signed a contract for the installation of an eConowind supplied wind assisted propulsion system on their 3,600 DWT general cargo vessel MV Ankie. The Spijk, Netherlands based company will take delivery of the Ventifoil® system in Q4 2019.
For eConowind BV, located in Groningen, Netherlands, it is the first commercial order of their Ventifoil® system which successfully completed sea test trials earlier this year. The wind-assist system was developed over the past three years supported by an EU backed grant and this first installation marks a significant milestone for the company in bringing their technology to a shipping market eager to deploy credible decarbonization solutions.
“We are seeking ‘Econology’ for shipping: good for Ecology but must be Economical as well. After several years of development and testing we are very happy to take this next big step: a first commercial installation to show that saving energy and emissions can mean saving money at the same time. We are confident that such an innovative company as van Dam Shipping will manage to get the most out of the system and we are really excited to share the results in the coming months.” stated Frank Nieuwenhuis, CEO of eConowind. The modular Ventifoil® units are in the form of non-rotating wing with vents and an internal fan that use boundary layer suction for maximum effect. This installation will feature two, 10-meter wings along with two extensions of six meters that will generate significant force allowing the vessel to reduce motor power and thus save energy. ‘We expect the reduction in fuel costs over a period of approx. three years will equal the costs of the system and thus fulfill our dream of using the wind again in modern shipping, which has been 40 years in the making.’ stated a delighted Jan van Dam, owner of van Dam Shipping
Van Dam Shipping will participate in further testing the concept in the new EU Interreg backed Wind-Assist Ship Propulsion ( WASP) research program, which from October will study practical use of wind-assisted systems in day-to-day operation as well as actual savings over an extended period of time.
Both eConowind and van Dam Shipping are convinced the Ventifoil® units will give significant savings and thus be an important solution to help shipping reach the IMO decarbonization goals for 2030 and 2050. Ends
Jan van Dam signs the contract for a first eConowind system
A simulation of the twin ventifoil system installation aboard the MV Ankie
FURTHER INFORMATION FOR JOURNALISTS
eConowind BV
Together with the Technical University of Delft and MARIN in Wageningen, the ship
design office Conoship BV in Groningen studied several concepts of wind propulsion
units for several years. After concluding the suction wings studied by Jacques Cousteau were most promising, eConowind was started in December 2016 to further develop wind propulsion on modern seagoing vessels, supported by a grant from the European Union. eConowind designed foldable VentiFoils: wing shaped elements creating very high propelling force relative to its size. Boundary layer suction increases and controls the propulsion force. The goal of the unit is to reduce costs and CO2 emissions by the reduction of motor power requirement. On the captain’s demand, the Ventifoils deploy and further operation is done automatically with the optimal angles relative to the apparent wind. The generated force is transferred right into the deck and thus helping with propulsion. To maintain the ships speed, the motor power can thus be reduced. The Ventifoils can be retrofitted onto existing vessels, integrated in new-builds or be placed inside a container which can be put onto the hatches of the ship.
Media contact: Frank Nieuwenhuis nieuwenhuis@econow.site.transip.me
Address: Leonard Springerlaan 9, 9727 KB Groningen, Netherlands. +31-638824670 www.econowind.nl
Van Dam Shipping
Van Dam Shipping, is a family-run business which already has eight vessels in its possession. The area of operation is mainly in North-West Europe, six of these vessels are suitable for use in the Saimaakanaal in Finland, their specialty. The company operates a modern fleet with mainly Dutch officers.
A simulation of the twin ventifoil system installation aboard the MV Angie
Jan van Dam signs the contract for a first eConowind system
Years of experience with one’s own company brings a lot of knowledge and the company is therefore working with a number of umbrella companies to support others. Van Dam Crew Support can assist shipping companies with operational activities, such as documents, (repeat) courses, books, and arrange crew changes. Van Dam Innovation works in the field of ship management. They are putting the emphasis on proactive action and transparency of communication. Their employees are the guarantee for quality service in the fields of owner’s agent, charterer’s agent, and protecting agent for all types of vessels in Delfzijl, Eemshaven or Groningen in the Netherlands.
Media contact: Mr. Jan van Dam office@vandamshipping.com Address: Hoofdweg Noord 34, 9909 AD Spijk (GN), Netherlands +31-596-633455 www.vandamshipping.com
