Econowind and ABB have deepened their partnership to combine wind-assisted ship propulsion with digital weather routing, with the Netherlands-based manufacturer stating the integration can reduce fuel consumption and help vessel operators meet tightening environmental regulations.

Econowind's wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) product, VentoFoil, is an aerodynamic system that generates forward thrust by using boundary-layer suction to create a pressure difference. According to Econowind, the system can reduce fuel consumption by 6–10% by allowing a vessel to maintain its required speed on lower main engine power. The units can be installed on both existing vessels and newbuilds.

Under a 2025 contract, ABB's onboard weather routing system, ABB Ability ship performance optimization system (SPOS) — already deployed across more than 4,500 vessels globally — has been integrated across a number of vessels fitted with VentoFoil units. The contract covers approximately 150 VentoFoil units supplied across 50 vessels. The routing system allows a ship's master to plan and simulate multiple voyage options, with the aim of maximising the contribution of wind propulsion under real operating conditions.

Econowind also uses ABB's weather application programming interfaces (APIs), which allow different software applications to exchange data, to generate voyage analytics. According to the Dutch firm, this data supports the case for WASP's efficiency benefits and is used in return-on-investment calculations for prospective customers.

Beyond immediate operating cost reductions, Econowind notes that wind-assisted propulsion carries regulatory benefits. Reduced fuel burn contributes positively to vessel assessments under the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). Lower emissions also reduce the volume of CO₂ allowances shipowners must surrender under the European Union's emissions trading scheme, while the use of wind power reduces greenhouse gas intensity under the FuelEU Maritime regime.

New analysis from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Research suggests that widespread adoption of wind assistance across the global fleet could cut shipping's total fuel consumption by 6.3–9.4%. The International Windship Association has predicted that 800 ships will feature sails or be wind-ready by 2028.

Maarten van der Klip, data and performance director at Econowind, said: "By combining zero-emission wind propulsion with advanced data analytics, Econowind and ABB make sustainable performance not only visible but also measurable, scalable, and immediately valuable for the maritime industry's energy transition."

Michael Greavette, head of commercial, routing services at ABB's marine and ports division, remarked: "Our continued technological innovation and expanded digital portfolio have allowed us to bring advanced routing capabilities to new segments. We are proud to be the routing provider of choice as the industry navigates a critical phase in its decarbonisation journey."

The partnership also extends to hardware support. ABB supplies electrical motors and drives to Econowind's manufacturing facilities in the Netherlands and China, and offers maintenance and spare parts services to vessels fitted with VentoFoil through its global service network.