The world’s first wind-assisted chemical tanker launched by Chemship

Chemship, a Netherlands-based company, has launched its first ship with wind-assisted propulsion, the MT Chemical Challenger. The ship will be used on Chemship’s transatlantic route between the east coast of the USA and the Mediterranean, making it the world’s first chemical tanker with wind-assisted propulsion. The ship has been equipped with four 16-meter high aluminum wind sails from Econowind, creating a direct wind area of 180 square meters, which can be quadrupled to 900 square meters using intelligent vacuum technology. Chemship expects the new sails to result in an average CO2 reduction of 10%, with an annual reduction of 850 tons for this ship.

CEO Niels Grotz sees wind-assisted propulsion as a return to the roots of the shipping industry, aiming to make the existing fleet more sustainable and reduce CO2 emissions. The installation coincides with the introduction of the European Emissions Trading System for shipping, with customers increasingly demanding carbon reporting and better performance ratings. Operations Manager Michiel Marelis added that the wind sails fit seamlessly into the tankers’ existing configurations and do not interfere with normal operations.

In addition to wind sails, Chemship is focusing on other sustainability measures such as improved lubricating oils and a coating for more efficient navigation, which could lead to a total fuel savings of over 15% and a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions. The company is committed to making its fleet more sustainable and environmentally friendly as part of its larger sustainability plan.

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