Frisian yards to scale up production of Ventofoils

The Frisian maritime sector will work with Econowind to scale up and robotise the production and installation of WIND wings for more sustainable shipping.

The application of WIND wings on seagoing vessels leads to direct reduction of fuels ranging from 30% to 50% savings depending on the route. An estimated 30,000 ocean-going vessels worldwide are eligible for this new technology, representing a market potential of €30 billion.

The Frisian maritime sector joins hands with market leader of WIND wing Econowind to take a leading position in the production and installation of WIND wings for ocean shipping. This cooperation, in which parties such as Bijlsma, Boomsma, Leenstra and Nauta play a central role, focuses on scaling up the production and installation of WIND wings. The first WIND wing made of steel, one as tall as 30 metres, is named after “Grutte PIER”. It is currently being built by Nauta and Bijlsma in Heeg and will be tested by shipping company Boomsma of Sneek on the new ship the Frisian Future.

Scaling up and robotisation

The focus is not only on construction, but also on making the production process more efficient. Where the first prototype is labour-intensive, the next step is to robotise production. By producing larger quantities, costs fall and profitability increases. The ambition is to realise a robotised production chain for WIND wings in Friesland.

Strategic location Harlingen

Installing the wings on seagoing ships also offers opportunities for the region. Due to its central location in the European shipping network, Harlingen is seen as an ideal hub for this activity. The strong maritime cluster in Friesland is thus positioned to play an integral role, from production to installation.

Official launch moment

On 21 November, deputy Friso Douwstra will give the starting shot for the scale-up phase at Nauta shipyard in Heeg. During a subsequent meeting with the theme “Offshore wind propulsion: Opportunities for the Frisian Maritime Sector”, Frisian entrepreneurs will be informed about the possibilities of contributing to this initiative.

This development is part of the European NWE Interreg project W4S (Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion), in which regions in Germany, France and the Netherlands are working together to further develop and scale up wind propulsion for maritime shipping.

Those interested in the launch of the collaboration on 21 November can register here.
More information? call +31 6 28657841, or mail to wind4shipping.

Source: press release Interreg NWE.

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