NYK Bulkship (Atlantic) N.V. (NBAtlantic), a NYK Group firm, has installed a wind-assisted ship-propulsion unit on a bulk carrier with Cargill International S.A. (Switzerland), a subsidiary of Cargill, Incorporated (USA).
This will be the first time for a unit of this type to be installed on a NYK Group vessel.
NBAtlantic will outfit the bulk carrier with the VentoFoil wind-assisted propulsion unit from Econowind B.V., a Dutch wingsail manufacturer.
This unit is anticipated to aid in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during ship sailing.
In conjunction with Cargill International S.A., NBAtlantic will gather data on the propulsion generated by this equipment, as well as meteorological and maritime conditions throughout navigation, and analyse the unit’s efficacy.
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VentoFoil is a 16-metre vertical wing that sits on a 20 feet long (about 6 metres) flat rack container with no sides.
Like an airplane wing, VentoFoil creates propulsion with the pressure difference on both sides of the wing.
The unit takes in wind through its suction port and obtains greater propulsion by amplifying the pressure difference.
According to NYK, VentoFoil is smaller than similar equipment, keeping it more out of the way of cargo handling. It is also easy to install and relocate.
This initiative is part of NYK’s long-term target of net-zero emissions of GHG by 2050 for the NYK Group’s oceangoing businesses.
The NYK Group said it will utilise the knowledge gained in this research and development to promote initiatives related to various energy-saving technologies, including the use of wind power.
