The shipping industry continues to explore methods for reducing emissions and fuel consumption, and in a significant development, Dutch company Econowind has added Japanese shipowner Nissen Kaiun as a shareholder. This partnership signifies a notable venture in promoting sustainable shipping technologies. With growing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures on the maritime industry, Econowind’s wind-assisted propulsion systems are drawing increased attention for their ability to cater to both regional and international shipping needs.
Econowind was already making headway in the industry by securing €1M from Invest International earlier this year and an additional €2M in equity from regional development companies. These investments have catalyzed the expansion of their innovative devices in various markets. Contrasting with past reports, which focused on their local expansions within Europe, the new partnership with Nissen Kaiun opens doors to the Asian market, offering potential growth in deepsea shipping segments. This collaboration represents a strategic shift to tap into Asia’s vast shipping networks.
How Does This Partnership Benefit Nissen Kaiun?
Nissen Kaiun aims to leverage Econowind’s Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion technology to make their fleet more eco-friendly. The VentoFoil, a pivotal Econowind product, assists in reducing emissions and fuel use. By integrating these units, Nissen Kaiun can adhere to international sustainability regulations.
“We recognised that Econowind has a mature Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion solution in the market. Making shipping more sustainable is a top priority at Nissen Kaiun,” said a spokesperson for Nissen Kaiun.
What Does This Mean for Econowind’s Expansion?
The partnership facilitates future growth opportunities in the Asian market, with Nissen Kaiun’s backing extending far beyond its investment capital. The collaboration also provides a large network for Econowind to exploit, potentially accelerating the development and installation of larger VentoFoil units for deepsea operations.
“The partnership with Nissen Kaiun will support the expansion of our VentoFoil product line and could also open the door to future production in Asia,” said Econowind CEO Daan Koornneef.
Since its founding in 2016, Econowind has been dedicated to optimizing wind-assisted ship propulsion technology. This technology employs the natural force of wind to enhance energy efficiency in maritime vessels, supporting sustainability metrics like the Poseidon Principles and various energy efficiency indices.
Econowind provides two primary systems to ship operators: the Flatrack unit, known for its easy installation and mobility due to ISO-fix corners, and the eConowind unit, which fits within a 40-foot sea container for adaptable deployment. The offerings reflect Econowind’s commitment to versatility and user-friendliness, presenting viable options for both shortsea and deepsea shipping scenarios.
The collaboration underscores a broader trend toward sustainable shipping solutions. Investors and partners now recognize the commercial and environmental benefits of such technologies. Econowind’s initiatives provide a roadmap for other companies looking to adopt similarly sustainable practices. Through this partnership, Econowind not only expands its market reach but also fosters a collaborative path toward cleaner maritime operations.
