Van Dam cargo ship to undergo wind power retrofit

Jan Van Dam Shipping has signed a contract for the installation of a wind assisted propulsion system on one of the company’s general cargo ships.

The wind-assist system to be fitted on the 3,600DWT vessel Ankie will be provided by Netherlands-based eConowind.

The system, which will be of modular construction, will consist of non-rotating wings with vents and an internal fan that use boundary layer suction. The installation will feature two 10-metre wings along with two extensions of six metres that will generate significant force allowing the vessel to reduce motor power.