Anthony Veder installs VentoFoils on gas tanker

The ethylene tanker Coral Patula is fitted with two VentoFoils, wind-assisted propulsion elements, supplied by Econowind. Later this year, sister ship Coral Pearl will also be fitted with the same sails.

According to Björn van de Weerdhof, commercial director at gas shipping company Anthony Veder, the installation of the VentoFoils is an important part of the company’s broader sustainability strategy. ‘Our ambition is to achieve net zero emissions by 2035. That means we need to take tangible steps now,’ says Van de Weerdhof. ‘Wind-assisted propulsion is one of the ways we can make our fleet more efficient, in addition to optimising newbuilds and using (bio-)LNG as fuel.’
By investing in technologies such as wind-assisted propulsion now, Anthony Veder can directly reduce emissions, he outlines. ‘The cooperation with Econowind is an important step in this respect. We also continue to explore other solutions, such as optimisation of propulsion systems, use of shore power, and cooperation with customers to apply lower speeds and Just in Time-arrival, for example.’

Econowind

Rens Groot, Chief Operations Officer at Econowind, explains that Anthony Veder chose VentoFoils after an extensive analysis. ‘The advantages of wind-assisted propulsion came out clearly, such as fuel savings and supplementing engine power.’
According to Econowind, the VentoFoils on the Coral Patula are expected to save around 5% fuel, increasing to more than 10% in favourable wind conditions. This provides both fuel savings and CO2 reductions.
The VentoFoils work in conjunction with the existing engines, reducing fuel consumption without compromising the vessel’s operational flexibility. This makes the technology suitable for long distances and varying weather conditions.

Read this article by René Quist in the Schuttevaer (subscribers only).
Photo: The ethylene tanker Coral Patula (Anthony Veder).

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