WASP

Three-time Vendée Globe competitor Yves Parlier has long been convinced of the usefulness of kites as alternative ship propulsion. “From my first sailing trip around the world in 1992, I had a safety kite on board.”

Econowind has received €1 million from Invest International to develop and test its VentoFoil XL wind sail, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions on deep sea shipping.

Chinese green energy technology company Dealfeng New Energy Technology recently attracted a substantial investment from TZME (TianJin), a foreign mechanical equipment company.

Wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) are increasingly being used, both for ships already in operation and newbuildings, reports Paul Bartlett in Seatrade Maritime News, following a DNV publication.

DNV’s maritime experts are positive and responding with their offerings.

“An important milestone is in the shipping industry’s shift to wind-assisted ship propulsion,” Chiel de Leeuw, CEO of Econowind in Zeewolde, calls the successful sale of the 100th installation of a Ventofoil.

A new multipurpose vessel is the first to use green steel and is equipped with eco-friendly technology, including an MGO engine and wind propulsion.

Norsepower, supplier of wind propulsion systems, and Norwegian shipping company Berge Rederi have signed an agreement to equip two modern cargo vessels with Norsepower Rotor Sails™.

Usually, government vessels, especially when used for law enforcement, are seemingly the last ones standing when it comes to fuel efficiency. Not so in France, where an offshore patrol vessel combines wind sails with other energy-saving and emission-reducing improvements.

Amadeus Schiffahrts- und Speditions GmbH has expanded its charter fleet with the Amadeus Sapphire. At the beginning of October, the innovative cruising liner – which is equipped with VentoFoils, among other things – began its maiden voyage from Antwerp to Gijon.

Berg Propulsion has unveiled the OpWind software system to help crews combine the operation of sails and propellers in the most efficient way in all sea conditions.

Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten has released updated plans for its pioneering Sea Zero project, a zero-emission cruise ship due to debut in 2030.