Northern collaboration brings wind propulsion to GROOTXL vessels

A strong collaboration between Northern Dutch maritime companies is contributing to more sustainable shipping.

Groot Ship Design, Royal Niestern Sander, Econowind and Eekels Technology B.V. are working together with Leonhardt & Blumberg on the installation of Econowind’s VentoFoils on a series of GROOTXL general cargo vessels.

The MV HANSA DREJOE, a 5900XL vessel designed by Groot Ship Design, was the first of four vessels in the series to be equipped with VentoFoils at the Royal Niestern Sander shipyard in Delfzijl. Installation is now underway on her sister vessel, the MV HANSA CHRISTIANSOE.

The VentoFoils are compact, autonomous suction sails designed to provide additional thrust by harnessing wind energy. The technology is expected to deliver around an average 10% additional thrust, helping to reduce both fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

For Groot Ship Design, the project is a great example of how collaboration and innovation can contribute to the future of sustainable shipping. Bringing together expertise in ship design, shipbuilding, engineering and wind-assisted propulsion, the project demonstrates the strength of the maritime cluster in the Northern Netherlands.

Curious to learn more about the project and the installation of the VentoFoils? Read the full article by Breakbulk news.