Econowind to Develop XL Wind Sail for Sustainable Shipping Solutions

Dutch company Econowind, based in Zeewolde, has secured 1 million euros in development capital from Invest International for its ventilation foil XL, a 24-30 meter high steel wind sail inspired by aviation technology. These innovative sails, similar to aircraft wings, are designed for large ships to utilize wind power, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 15%. Econowind has successfully produced smaller ventilation sheets for coastal shipping in the past and aims to expand into the Deep Sea shipping market with the XL model, positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable maritime technology.

The XL sails will target deep-sea shipping, a sector with approximately 50,000 ships worldwide that consume significant amounts of fuel during longer voyages. By introducing larger sails, Econowind aims to achieve greater fuel savings and further reduce environmental impact. The Leitofoil XL, manufactured in Zeewolde, is expected to be utilized on ships globally, contributing to a greener sea transport industry.

Invest International supports Econowind’s development by financing the design, development, and construction of two XL prototypes for extensive testing on land and sea. The goal is to assess performance, safety, and achieve regulatory approval by the summer of 2027. This strategic partnership underscores the importance of investing in sustainable maritime technology to drive the decarbonization of the shipping industry, which currently accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions.

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