Econowind has received a type approval design certificate (TADC) from classification society DNV for its VentoFoil 3-Series boundary layer suction wing, a move the Dutch company says will accelerate deployment of the technology across the shipping industry.

The certificate, issued under DNV's ST-0511 standard for wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS), applies to the 16-metre VentoFoil 3-Series product design. According to Econowind, the approval enables integration of the system into DNV-classed vessels worldwide without requiring a full design assessment process to be repeated for each individual project, reducing complexity for shipowners, shipyards and project teams.

The 3-Series is Econowind's best-selling suction wing, with over 150 units sold to date. The system uses active suction to harness wind power and generate forward thrust, with the aim of reducing fuel consumption. It features a tilting foundation that allows the wings to be lowered during port operations or adverse weather. Econowind claims the system can also help operators mitigate penalties under the FuelEU Maritime regulation.

Chiel de Leeuw, Chief Commercial Officer at Econowind, stated: "DNV is one of the world's leading classification societies. This TADC gives DNV-classed shipowners confidence that VentoFoils meet the highest industry standards. 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."

Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer at DNV Maritime, commented: "It is a great pleasure to award Econowind this new certificate. WAPS have been going from strength to strength over the past few years. Since 2022, the number of vessels in operation has increased fivefold, 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. So, while the wind always changes, the shipping industry is likely to be sailing strong for years to come."

MS Heinz, operated by HS Schiffahrt, is among the first vessels to operate under the new TADC.