Ocean Network Express, the world’s sixth-largest liner company, is to trial container-based wind propulsion technology following a successful factory test.
The Singapore-based shipowner has teamed up with Dutch maritime wind-powered technology experts Econowind to fit two of its VentoFoil containers on the 1,036-teu container ship Kalamazoo (built 2013).
The feeder vessel, owned by NORSE UK and managed by Singapore-based Goodwood Ship Management, operates between Pusan, Yokohama and Honolulu.
ONE said the VentoFoil unit, which resembles plane wings, is designed to harness wind energy, significantly reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The trial is scheduled to begin in January 2024 and run for around six months.
ONE said data on fuel consumption, emissions reductions and overall operational efficiency will be collected and the results of the trial used to assess the long-term viability of wind propulsion as a sustainable shipping solution.
“Each VentoFoil is equipped with a smart suction system that optimises airflow and maximises thrust and has the potential to generate up to 400 kW of power, reducing fuel consumption by 5%. They are fully automatic, adjust for wind speed and direction, and can be started from the ship bridge,” the shipowner said.
ONE managing director Hiroki Tsujii described the trial as an “important step forward in [the company’s] efforts to explore innovative and sustainable solutions for the maritime industry”.
