As an inexhaustible, free and zero-carbon energy source, wind is enjoying a renaissance as a propulsion solution for global shipping. With the International Windship Association predicting 800 ships will feature sails or be ‘wind-ready’ by 20281, new analysis from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research suggests that adopting wind assistance across the world fleet could cut shipping’s fuel consumption by 6.3–9.4 percent. ABB has partnered with Netherlands-based Econowind to provide weather routing services for wind-assisted vessels. Integrating ABB Ability™ Routing Services with wind-assisted propulsion helps enhance performance and maximize fuel savings through real-time weather and route optimization.
Econowind’s Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion (WASP) solution VentoFoil is modern, aerodynamic wind-assisted propulsion system for ships, which generates forward thrust from the wind. By utilizing boundary-layer suction, it creates a pressure difference that propels the vessel forward, which decreases the need for power from main engine. Installed onboard existing and newbuild vessels, VentoFoil can help a vessel in transit maintain its required speed on lower main engine power, reducing fuel consumption by 6-10 percent.
While immediate savings in ship operating costs are especially attractive at a time of oil market disruption, WASP also offers lasting benefits beyond the ‘free’ ride. Improved fuel efficiency also contributes positively when ships are assessed under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII).
Lower fuel consumption also means ship owners need to surrender fewer CO2 allowances for voyages subject to the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme, while renewable wind power also reduces a ship’s greenhouse gas intensity under the FuelEU Maritime regime.
Following the wind to optimal routing efficiency
In line with the IMO’s broader decarbonization targets, the widespread adoption of WASP could cumulatively reduce global maritime carbon dioxide emissions by hundreds of millions of tons, but it is also fair to say that their contribution will be determined by the weather.
To realize the full potential of wind power, operators need real-time insight into ever-changing conditions. While Econowind’s technology can deliver immediate fuel savings of up to 10 percent under standard conditions, ABB’s digital tools play a key role to realizing those gains in real operating environments.
To date, ABB Ability™ SPOS, an onboard weather routing system, has been adopted in more than 4,500 vessels across the globe. Through a 2025 contract with Econowind, which includes about 150 VentoFoil units supplied onto 50 vessels, ABB Ability™ Ship Performance Optimization System (SPOS) is now in operation across several vessels.
With weather routing enabling optimized voyage planning and execution, the ship’s Master can plan and simulate several routing options that can maximize the WASP contribution.
Shared vision for sustainable shipping
As a solution provider, Econowind is also a long-term user of the voyage data and analytics services available through ABB’s weather Application Programming Interfaces (API), a set of tools and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate and exchange data with each other. The information used is evidential when it builds a case for the way WASP improves efficiency, helps cut operating expenditure and reduces emissions in real conditions. In addition, the information is also used for return of investment calculations.
“By combining zero-emission wind propulsion with advanced data analytics, Econowind and ABB make sustainable performance not only visible but also measurable, scalable, and immediately valuable for the maritime industry’s energy transition,” says Maarten van der Klip, Data & Performance Director, Econowind.
“Our continued technological innovation and expanded digital portfolio have allowed us to bring advanced routing capabilities to new segments” comments Michael Greavette, Head of Commercial, Routing Services at ABB’s Marine and Ports division. “We are proud to be the routing provider of choice as the industry navigates a critical phase in its decarbonization journey.”
Econowind’s specialized aerodynamic technology is also supported by the electrical engineering expertise, supply and service capabilities ABB delivers worldwide. This ensures identical electromotors and drives reach Econowind plants in the Netherlands and China, while vessels also have access to a global standard of ABB service when maintenance or spare parts are required.
The partnership between Econowind and ABB demonstrates how the maritime industry can meet its emission-reduction targets: by adopting clean energy, implementing digital optimization, and realizing synergies between the two.
[1] References:
