Econowind secures repeat order for two more wind-assisted tankers
Image courtesy of Terntank.
Econowind, a Dutch firm that develops wind-assisted ship propulsion systems, has received a follow-up order from Nordic tanker operator Terntank to equip two additional methanol-ready hybrid tankers with its VentoFoil wind propulsion units.
This latest order adds eight VentoFoils across the two vessels, bringing the total to five ships fitted with 20 of the 16-metre foldable wind wings since Terntank’s initial purchase in May 2023.
The first ship in this series, Tern Vik, was delivered earlier this year by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard. All vessels in the series integrate Kongsberg’s advanced energy and propulsion management system, which enables wind power to take precedence when conditions allow.
Alongside battery packs and dual-fuel engines capable of running on methanol or diesel, these tankers are designed to meet the IMO 2050 emissions targets and support near-zero-emission operations.
Terntank, which operates across the Nordic region with a focus on transporting sustainable fuels, has positioned wind-assisted ship propulsion as a central feature in the design of its latest builds. The VentoFoils are lightweight, foldable for safe port handling, and fully ATEX-certified to comply with tanker safety standards.
“At Terntank, we are always looking for ways to reduce fuel consumption. It’s part of our DNA,” says Claes Möller, CEO of Terntank. “The installation of the VentoFoils and their integration with the Kongsberg system went seamlessly. It’s great to see that the actual fuel savings match what was predicted. We’re very pleased with the results.”
The repeat order follows strong operational results from the first three vessels, highlighting the benefits of combining wind propulsion with hybrid power systems. Terntank’s renewed investment emphasises a growing confidence in wind-assisted technology as a viable solution.
Econowind’s team has worked closely with Terntank and Kongsberg to ensure the VentoFoils integrate with the vessels’ energy systems, allowing for real-time optimisation between wind power, batteries and fuel engines, to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.
“We are proud to continue our collaboration with Terntank and support their leadership in sustainable shipping,” says Chiel de Leeuw, CCO of Econowind. “This repeat order confirms the performance of our VentoFoils and the shared ambition to decarbonise maritime transport.”
With this latest deal, Econowind has now sold over 130 VentoFoil units, which are being installed on a variety of vessel types, including dry bulk carriers, tankers and container ships.
