Ocean Network Express (ONE), the sixth largest liner shipping company in the world, is testing a container-based auxiliary wind propulsion system on one of its feeder ships.
The Singapore-based shipping company has teamed up with Econowind to install two so-called VentoFoils on the chartered container ship “Kalamazoo” (1,036 TEU, built in 2013). The feeder vessel, which is owned by Norse UK and managed by Singapore-based Goodwood Ship Management, operates in the Pacific between Pusan (Korea), Yokohama (Japan) and Honolulu (Hawaii). [ds_preview]
VentoFoils are similar to airplane wings and are said to help significantly reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The tests are scheduled to begin in January 2024 and last around six months.
ONE hopes for fuel savings of 5%
According to ONE, data will be collected on fuel consumption, emissions reduction and general operating efficiency. The results will then be used to decide whether this type of wind propulsion is suitable as a sustainable solution.
Each VentoFoil system should be able to generate up to 400 kW of power and reduce fuel consumption by 5%. The system works fully automatically, adapts to the wind speed and direction and can be controlled from the bridge.
ONE has set itself the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, emphasizes Hiroki Tsujii, Managing Director of ONE. Among other things, the shipping company recently installed windshields on some of its ships. A type of spoiler on the bow is also intended to help reduce consumption.
