By GMM Technologies | 2024-03-07 | Ship Building News |

CHEMICAL CHALLENGER has become the world’s first chemical tanker to have installed wind propulsion onboard. The Dutch-owned CHEMICAL CHALLENGER got four VentoFoils from Econowind installed at Rotterdam. The vessel owner, Chemship, has said they plan to install more of their ships with wind propulsion technology. CEO Niels Grotz said that his customers were increasingly demanding CO2 reports, and the better the ships perform, the higher the rating they receive from their customers. He added that lesser emissions are not only beneficial for the environment but also for business.

Chemship’s Operations Director, Michiel Marelis, said the installation was fairly easy as they did not have to install any added reinforcements for the wind rotors. Chemships has already selected its next two vessels for the VentoFoils.

These lightweight wind propellers manufactured by Econowind have minimal deck “footprint” and the ability to fold or set sail with a single button press. Chemship aims to reduce CO2 emission by an average of 10% and by 15% on transatlantic voyages with the help of these turbo sails.