POWER & PROPULSION
ECONOWIND WINS FIRST FLEET ORDER
Schottel propels research vessel
Econowind’s wind-assist VentiFoil units will be retrofitted on two of Dutch shipping company Vertom’s cargo vessels. MV Progress and MV Perfect will be installed with the VentiFoils by the end of 2022 in what will be the first fleet order for Econowind, which says it has upgraded the suction method on the units with the result that there are fewer moving parts. Vertom made the decision to invest in the VentiFoil after considering key environmental factors including the Carbon Intensity Index for shipping and emissions per cargo, it says. VentiFoil systems are wing-shaped units that can fold and rotate around their own axes with the ability to be reefed. They can now be installed directly onto the vessel rather than remain inside containers. Smart suction is integrated in the wing, resulting in double the force, Econowind says. The shape has been designed using modern aerodynamic theory, creating high propelling force relative to size. “Installing the VentiFoils is a big step forward in reducing (CO2) emissions and fuel consumption for our current fleet. It is, along with our upcoming newbuilding program, a good step towards reducing our carbon footprint,” said Rolf van Leeuwen, Senior Technical Superintendent at Vertom.
Germany’s most modern research vessel has been equipped with a Schottel propulsion system. The survey, wreck search and research vessel Atair has on board a Schottel PumpJet, a TranverseThruster type STT 170 (200 kW) in the stern and a TranvserseThruster type STT 1 (330 kW) in the bow. Schottel’s TransverseThrusters have elastically mounted well installation, which is said to give greater comfort, reducing sound emissions by up to 11 dB. The soundoptimised STT helps to minimise underwater noise, resulting in a low-vibration design suitable for vessels of all types and sizes and especially for service operation vessels.
8 Container-based VentiFoils
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JUNE 2022 | 49
