Dutch firms Boomsma Shipping and Econowind are collaborating, with Econowind contracted to install two of its wind-assisted VentiFoil units on a Boomsma vessel
Both Econowind units are integrated in a specially designed flatrack from which a folding VentiFoil can be deployed. Ventifoil is Econowind’s proprietary wind-assist system with ridged aspirated wing profiles acting as sails.
The flatrack is designed to optimise handling the VentiFoils. The VentiFoils create superior thrust by boundary-layer-suction, for which ventilators are mounted inside the VentiFoils. Due to the thrust generated by the Econowind unit, the thrust of the propeller can be reduced to maintain the same speed leading to fuel savings and emissions reductions.
Of the contract between the companies, Boomsma co-owner Johan Boomsma said “With the help of the Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (WASP) project, part of the EU Interreg North Sea region programme, we will install this innovative technology on one of our vessels, research the operations and monitor the savings, which are expected to be in the region of 10%. Doing so, we will contribute to an environmentally friendlier shipping industry.“
Boomsma Shipping chief technical officer Ton Boomsma said the flatrack solution was chosen “as we expect that will give optimal results on our ship. The flatrack units can be placed at different locations on the ship and can be handled with our hatch crane, thus giving us optimal flexibility.
Econowind chief executive Frank Nieuwenhuis said “We are delighted to move onto the installation stage of the project, working hand-in-hand with the team at Boomsma Shipping. The new flatrack design has the flexibility of a container, being movable by the hatch crane, needs limited installation time and can be used on several vessels.”
The system is scheduled to be installed September 2020 barring any delays caused by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The installation will then be monitored and evaluated throughout 2020 & 2021.
Boomsma has previously opted for innovative solutions to novel problems. In December 2019, the company signed a contract to install a prefabricated scrubbers because Boomsma’s vessels could not fit conventional scrubber systems.
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