The project ‘VentoFoil XL sustainable wind propulsion for sea-going vessels focuses on further developing VentoFoil technology for Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion on vessels. It is co-funded by the European Union and stems from major development opportunities in the Green & Digital Maritime Innovation Ecosystem North Netherlands project.

This project further develops the decrease in fossil fuels usage and environmental impact for ocean-going vessels, through the deployment of Econowind’s VentoFoils. It facilitates easy cargo handling, as the wings fold to reduce windage in challenging conditions.

Econowind is a partner of this project, together with parties from the Northern Netherlands Maritime Innovation Ecosystem. It combines organizations the entire value chain, from shipdesign and production to owner and end-user of vessels.

The VentoFoil XL project concentrates on scaling up from smaller wings to a new larger version, specifically designed for ocean-going vessels. The prototype will be developed, built, tested and later demonstrated at sea. It will also include a fully digital control system based on Artificial Intelligence.

The project activities are divided into five components:

1. Development of a digital model: Design, risk analysis and development of the digital model.
2. Building the 30m VentoFoil XL prototype: Production preparation, purchase materials, construction, installation of electronics and automation.
3. Testing and evaluating VentoFoil XL: Develop foundation & integration, wind tunnel tests, functional tests, operational & safety tests, performance tests and optimization.
4. Demonstration on board: Develop & build foundation, integration with ship structure, installation, demonstration voyages, endurance tests, analysis of measurement data.
5. Project management

The VentoFoil XL project combines experience and knowledge of innovative ‘green’ technology and ship integration, including on-board systems and operations. It is supported by the Maritime Institute Willem Barendsz (MIWB) and the German Dutch Wind Tunnel (DNW).

Together, Econowind and Conoship have developed the specific knowledge on VentoFoils, supported by TU Delft and MARIN (Maritime Research Institute for Naval Propulsion). These experience will come in handy for the development of this new product, which will be another step in our journey towards a sustainable maritime industry.