NYK installs first wind-assisted ship-propulsion units

On July 8, NYK Bulkship (Atlantic) N.V., an NYK Group company, installed two wind-assisted ship-propulsion units on the bulk carrier NBA Magritte at the port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, which is engaged in a long-term charter contract with Cargill (USA). This is the first time a unit of this type has been installed on an NYK Group vessel.

Sitting on a 20-foot-long (approximately six-meter) flat rack container with no walls, VentoFoil has a 16-meter vertical wing that acts as suction sail which expects about five times as much force compared to no-suction versions.

Features of VentoFoil

  • VentoFoil creates propulsion with the pressure difference on both sides of the wing and is expected to help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during vessel navigation.
  • It takes in wind through its suction port and obtains greater propulsion by amplifying the pressure difference.
  • The system can be easily activated and deactivated through a touch panel installed on the bridge, enabling operation without increasing the crew’s workload.
  • It is smaller than similar wind equipment, making it easy to install and relocate.
  • It can be folded in about five to six minutes, keeping it out of the way of cargo handling.

Photo credit: NYK. Two VentoFoils installed on NBA Magritte.

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