Efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the maritime industry have led to increased interest in wind-assisted propulsion. Econowind, a Dutch company specializing in wind propulsion technology, has received €1M from Invest International to further develop its VentoFoil XL sails. In addition to this investment, Regional Development Companies (ROMs), including the Development Company for Northern Netherlands (NOM) and Horizon Flevoland, provided an extra €2M in equity. The funding will support the advancement and testing of Econowind’s new wind-assisted propulsion system for large ships.
Econowind has previously introduced smaller VentoFoils for coastal vessels, but the company now aims to enter the deep-sea shipping market. This move follows earlier developments in wind propulsion, where similar technologies were tested to improve fuel efficiency. In past projects, Econowind produced 10- and 16-meter VentoFoils designed for smaller ships, whereas the VentoFoil XL, measuring up to 30 meters, is intended for large ocean-going vessels. The concept of using wind energy in maritime transport has been explored for years, yet recent investments indicate growing confidence in this approach.
How Will the Investment Support Econowind’s Expansion?
The newly secured funding will be directed toward further research and testing of the VentoFoil XL, a steel wind sail designed to optimize wind energy for large ships. These sails, inspired by aviation technology, function similarly to airplane wings by generating additional thrust, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and cutting CO2 emissions by up to 15%. The company plans to scale up production at its Zeewolde facility to meet rising demand.
Michiel Slootweg, Director of Private Sector at Invest International, stated,
“Econowind is a perfect fit for our portfolio as an innovative Dutch scale-up driving the sustainability of shipping. With key partners like Damen Shipyards and customers among the world’s top ten shipping companies, Econowind is well-positioned for a global rollout. These international opportunities are a key reason for our investment. Development capital is often unavailable through traditional financing, but we can provide the necessary support to help bring this product to market.”
What Are the Next Steps for Econowind?
Econowind plans to develop and test two prototypes of the VentoFoil XL within the next two years. The company has already produced over 100 sails for smaller vessels and is now shifting its focus to larger ships, a market that includes approximately 50,000 vessels globally. By increasing production capacity and improving manufacturing efficiency, Econowind aims to offer shipowners a viable solution to reduce fuel costs and emissions.
Frank Nieuwenhuis, CEO and Founder of Econowind, commented,
“With this investment, we can accelerate our focus on the deep-sea market. Having already delivered over 100 sails for smaller seagoing vessels, it is now time for the VentoFoil XL. This technology will improve fuel efficiency and cut CO2 emissions in deep-sea shipping. The market demand is high, and the potential is enormous. Wind propulsion is bringing shipping back to its roots.”
The maritime industry is exploring multiple approaches to lower emissions, including alternative fuels, improved hull designs, and wind propulsion. While past implementations of wind-assisted shipping have seen varying levels of success, recent technological improvements and financial backing have made these solutions more viable. The increasing regulatory pressure on the shipping sector to meet global emission targets is also driving demand for sustainable propulsion methods.
Econowind’s development of the VentoFoil XL aligns with broader industry trends seeking to integrate renewable energy into maritime transportation. Wind-assisted propulsion is being considered as a complementary solution alongside other emission-reduction strategies. If the prototypes prove effective, large-scale adoption could follow, influencing fuel consumption patterns and emissions in deep-sea shipping. The investment from Invest International and ROMs highlights the growing interest in wind propulsion as a step toward a more sustainable shipping industry.
