Dutch chemical tanker operator Chemship has strengthened its commitment to sustainable shipping by ordering additional wind-assist propulsion systems from Econowind.
The company will install VentoFoils on two more vessels, the Chemical Contender and Chemical Fighter, reinforcing its drive to cut fuel consumption and emissions across its fleet.
Scheduled for installation in the second half of 2026, each tanker will be equipped with four 16-metre ATEX-certified VentoFoils supplied by Dutch wind propulsion specialist Econowind.
The technology uses foldable wing-like structures to capture wind energy, reducing the need for engine power and thereby lowering fuel usage and carbon output.
The decision follows the success of Chemship’s earlier project with Econowind on the Chemical Challenger, the world’s first chemical tanker fitted with wind-assisted propulsion.
Installed in Rotterdam in early 2024, the system marked a milestone for the chemical shipping sector and demonstrated tangible operational benefits in real-world conditions.
Chemship CEO Niels Grotz said the company is advancing sustainability across every part of its business, with a clear focus on reaching net-zero emissions.
He noted that the performance of the Chemical Challenger has validated the potential of wind propulsion, achieving fuel savings of up to 15 per cent when combined with the firm’s digital fuel optimisation systems.
Grotz added that expanding the technology to two more vessels represents a significant step forward in the company’s decarbonisation journey and underscores Chemship’s belief in cleaner, more efficient shipping.
Econowind’s Chief Commercial Officer, Chiel de Leeuw, described Chemship’s continued partnership as an important endorsement of wind propulsion technology.
He said Chemship’s willingness to pioneer such solutions had helped demonstrate tangible pathways toward sustainability in an industry known for its high energy demands.
De Leeuw emphasised that the repeat order showcases growing market confidence in wind systems and inspires other operators to follow suit with proven solutions that cut emissions and fuel costs.
Chemship’s decarbonisation programme extends beyond wind-assisted propulsion.
The company recently achieved a Platinum sustainability rating from independent assessor EcoVadis, placing it within the top 1 per cent of companies evaluated worldwide for environmental, social, and governance performance.
The recognition highlights Chemship’s broader initiatives, which include advanced hull coatings, energy-efficient lubricants, and hydrodynamic improvements such as boss cap fins — all aimed at optimising vessel performance and lowering environmental impact.
The planned VentoFoil installations on the Chemical Contender and Chemical Fighter align with Chemship’s long-term strategy to meet emerging regulatory requirements under the EU’s new maritime emissions framework.
The enhancements will also help the company manage future carbon costs while improving operational efficiency across its fleet.
Grotz said Chemship continues to operate one of the youngest and most efficient fleets in its trade network and remains focused on integrating innovative technologies throughout its ongoing renewal program.
