DNV Type Approval Design Certificate accelerates deployment of Econowind VentoFoils

Econowind has received a Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) from classification society DNV for its VentoFoil 3-Series boundary layer suction wing. The certification confirms compliance with DNV's ST-0511 standard for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) and enables easier integration of VentoFoils on DNV-classed vessels worldwide. The approval accelerates the deployment of wind propulsion across the shipping industry.

“This TADC gives DNV-classed shipowners confidence that VentoFoils meet the highest industry standards,” says Chiel de Leeuw, Chief Commercial Officer at Econowind. “It simplifies the approval process for both retrofits and newbuilds. VentoFoils are ideal for late-stage design integration and retrofit projects. This is an important milestone for Econowind and for the wider adoption of wind-assisted ship propulsion.”

The 3-Series VentoFoil is Econowind’s best-selling suction wing to date, with over 150 units sold. The system actively harnesses wind power to generate forward thrust, helping to reduce fuel consumption and mitigate FuelEU penalties. The system includes a tilting foundation, allowing the wings to be tilted down during port operations or in adverse weather conditions, making it a flexible solution.

The TADC applies to the 16-metre VentoFoil 3-Series product design and supports easy integration into DNV-classed vessels without repeating the full design assessment process. This enables shipowners, shipyards, and project teams to move more efficiently from concept to installation, reducing project complexity and accelerating deployment.

Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer at DNV Maritime, said: “WAPS have been going from strength to strength over the past few years, from 2022 the number of vessels in operation has increased five times, and we’ve now topped the century mark. And with the current advances in technology, materials, and production capacity in the segment, we expect this to accelerate.”

Econowind expects the DNV Type Approval Design Certificate to accelerate adoption of the VentoFoil, particularly among shipowners seeking proven, independently certified technology that can support fuel savings, emissions reductions, and decarbonisation goals. MS Heinz (pictured) of HS Schiffahrt is among the first vessels to sail under this TADC.