The momentous occasion took place on February 16, 2024, as more than 180 attendees gathered on an all-electric party boat to witness the raising of the sails on Chemship's MT Chemical Challenger, a 16,100-dwt small chemical tanker.
This historic event marks a pivotal moment in Chemship's 55-year history, positioning the company as a pioneer of innovation in the chemical shipping industry. The four 16-meter-tall aluminum wind sails, shipped from the Zeewolde factory, were installed on the 134-meter-long vessel responsible for transporting cargo between the Mediterranean and the US East Coast.
Crafted by eConowind
Crafted by the compatriot company eConowind, the VentoFoil units boast a direct wind surface of nearly 180 square meters. Leveraging smart vacuum technology, these sails quintuple the wind force, resulting in an impressive gross wind surface of approximately 900 square meters, equivalent to an imaginary sail of 30 by 30 meters.
As part of Chemship's forward-looking initiative titled "Setting Sail toward Sustainable Shipping," the company aims to harness the power of wind to reduce fuel consumption and achieve an average 10% reduction in CO2 emissions with the turbo sails. This move aligns with Chemship's commitment to sustainability and underscores its responsibility within the industry.
The installation of wind sails seamlessly integrates with Chemship's relatively young fleet, boasting an average vessel age of seven years. This innovative project follows the recent decision by Finland-based RABN – Rederi Ab Nathalie to adopt eConowind's VentiFoils for their general cargo vessel, Odda Marie.
Chemship's venture into wind-powered propulsion marks a significant stride toward a greener future in maritime transportation, showcasing the industry's dedication to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.
