Ocean Network Express (ONE) is planning to install two wind assist units on one of its container feeder ships before the end of 2023.
The initiative is part of ONE’s ‘Sapphire + Project’, which aims to optimise operational costs while contributing to the company’s Green Strategy.
The wind assist systems will be supplied by Dutch company Econowind and installed on the 1,036 TEU Kalamazoo, owned by Norse.
The VentoFoil wing-shaped units will be able to generate up to 400 kilowatts of thrust and will feature smart suction systems to maximise airflow control.
The Singapore-based carrier expects the wind assist propulsion to significantly reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing to its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
READ: ONE launches new Eco Calculator to reduce CO2
Takashi Kase, Senior Vice President of ONE, emphasized that reducing GHG emissions is the company’s top priority, and the wind assist system utilisation will be a great milestone towards achieving this goal.
“The more installations we can retrofit, the more data we can attain and learn from,” added Frank Nieuwenhuis, CEO of Econowind.
“This provides us with solid proof of how wind assisted ship propulsion is reducing emissions per nautical mile and with vessels improving their EEXI/EEDI.”
Last month, ONE equipped an eco-friendly bow wind shield on the 21,700 TEU containership ONE TRADITION.
This is the second vessel that features the technology.
