Econowind has secured a Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) from DNV for its VentoFoil 3-Series boundary layer suction wing, confirming the system meets DNV’s ST-0511 standard for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS).
The certification is expected to accelerate deployment of wind propulsion across the shipping industry by easing integration of VentoFoils onto DNV-classed vessels without repeating the full design assessment process.
Chiel de Leeuw, Chief Commercial Officer at Econowind, said: “DNV is one of the world’s leading classification societies. This TADC gives DNV-classed shipowners confidence that VentoFoils meet the highest industry standards. It simplifies the approval process for both retrofits and newbuilds. VentoFoils are ideal for late-stage design integration and retrofit projects. This is an important milestone for Econowind and for the wider adoption of wind-assisted ship propulsion.”
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Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer at DNV Maritime, said the wind-assisted propulsion segment has grown rapidly: “WAPS have been going from strength to strength over the past few years, from 2022 the number of vessels in operation has increased five times, and we’ve now topped the century mark.
“And with the current advances in technology, materials, and production capacity in the segment, we expect this to accelerate. So, while the wind always changes, the shipping industry is likely to be sailing strong for years to come.”
The VentoFoil 3-Series has sold more than 150 units to date, making it Econowind’s best-selling suction wing. The system generates forward thrust through boundary layer suction, reducing fuel consumption and helping owners manage FuelEU compliance costs.
For more information:
Econowind – https://econowind.nl/
