Econowind has successfully installed four 16-metre VentoFoils on board the chemical tanker M/T JUTLANDIA SWAN, owned and operated by Danish shipping company Uni-Tankers.
The ATEX-proof Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion units were installed in just four days in the port of Rotterdam.
The M/T JUTLANDIA SWAN is a 124 x 20 metre tanker. Inspired by a similar setup on a Chemship parcel tanker, Uni-Tankers saw an opportunity to apply wind propulsion to one of their vessels, aligning with their ambitions to decarbonise operations.
The project was carefully prepared in advance. During a scheduled dry dock in Turkey, the foundation works were carried out.
Once the vessel arrived in Rotterdam, the commissioning process proceeded swiftly at Rotterdam Offshore Group (ROG), underlining how easily VentoFoils can be integrated into operational workflows.
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The system is currently undergoing classification with Bureau Veritas and is expected to deliver strong performance: a 10 per cent improvement in EEXI and a 3 per cent contribution towards FuelEU Maritime compliance. This makes the business case not only technically viable but also economically compelling.
With wind seen as a key pillar in Uni-Tankers’ decarbonisation strategy, the M/T JUTLANDIA SWAN will now serve as a test case for integrating suction-based wind propulsion in everyday tanker operations.
“This is the fourth tanker to sail with VentoFoils,” said Chiel de Leeuw, Chief Commercial Officer at Econowind.
“It shows how our suction wing technology is gaining traction in the tanker segment. Thanks to our experience and ATEX-approved systems, we know what’s required for these vessels. And we’re proud to support Uni-Tankers as they take this important step.”
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“Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion has clear potential — but its real value depends on how well it integrates into daily operations,” said Kristian Larsen, Technical Director at Uni-Tankers.
“Now we’ll be able to test how these sails behave at sea, what they mean for fuel efficiency, and how the crew can work with them in practice.”
Earlier this year, GasLog and Propulsion Analytics announced a collaboration on a fleet Digital Engine Management platform development, enabled by Kongsberg Digital Vessel Insight.
