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MOL Group's first vessel to install wind propulsion assist device
NYK Bulkship NV, a NYK Group company, will install a wind propulsion assist system for the first time in its own bulk carrier, and enter into a long-term charter contract with Cargill International, a subsidiary of Cargill, Incorporated.
NBAtlantic will install VentoFoil, a wind propulsion assist device manufactured by Econowind BV, on its bulk carrier. This is expected to reduce the greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted by the vessel during navigation. NBAtlantic will collect data such as weather and sea conditions during the voyage and the thrust (propulsion) force generated by this device, and will jointly measure the effect with Cargill International.
"VentoFoil" is based on a 20-foot (approximately 6-meter) flat rack (container with no walls or ceiling), and a 16-meter wing on the ship that acts as a sail. Like the wings of an airplane, the difference in air pressure between the two sides of the wing creates propulsion. It is characterized by taking in wind from the intake port opened in the wing and amplifying the pressure difference to obtain stronger propulsion. As it is small for similar equipment, it does not interfere with cargo handling and is easy to install and relocate.