Boomsma Shipping to install wind-assist technology on MPP vessel

The eConowind units have a specially designed Flatrack from which deploys a folding VentiFoil – a compact non-rotating wing profile creating thrust by means of the principle of boundary-layer-suction.

Due to the generated thrust by the eConowind unit, the thrust of the propeller can be reduced to maintain the same speed leading to fuel savings and emission reductions.

“With the help of the Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (WASP) project, part of the EU Interreg North Sea region program, we will install this innovative technology on one of our vessels and research the actual operations and monitor the savings, which are expected to be in the region of 10%,” said Johan Boomsma, co-owner of Boomsma Shipping.

The WASP project is funded by the Interreg North Sea Europe program, part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and brings together universities and wind-assist technology providers with ship owners to research, trial and validate the operational performance of a selection of wind propulsion solutions.

The installation of the system is scheduled for September 2020 barring any delays given the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. The installation will then be monitored and evaluated throughout the rest of 2020 and 2021.

Boomsma Shipping noted that even with the restrictions and challenges that face the shipping industry with the COVID-19 pandemic and the latest low oil prices, wind assisted propulsion solutions are still making headway.

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“We believe it is necessary and very important to accept sustainability challenges to reduce our environmental footprint. Together with the IMO decarbonisation goals for 2050 we want to do our part to reduce our fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as soon as possible,” said Boomsma.