Wacv

[ombugge]

Wind Assisted Cargo Vessel (or WACV for short) is becoming more plentiful and come in many different types, sizes and age.
Here is one that may win some followers:

The THARSIS equipped with eConowind Flatrack Ventifoil® units inbound for Rotterdam.
Photo: Willem Holtkamp ©

eConowind offers a third innovative foldable and autonomous unit for wind-assisted ship propulsion, helping to propel a variety of coastal vessels.The eConowind Flatrack unit is based on ISO-fix corners and can quickly be placed and removed. Giving a flexible solution for a variety of vessels such as general cargo vessels or other vessels. The Flatrack system has the advantage to be moved with the hatch crane of the vessel, no additional harbour equipment is needed to move the flatrack system, which provides flexibility in use.Each flatrack can be adjusted to the size of the vessel (our latest project) has a 30m2 Ventifoil system installed, helping to produce thrust for the vessel. The Ventifoil® is a wing shaped element using modern innovations in aerodynamics creating high propelling force relative to its size. Smart suction is integrated in the wing, resulting in double the force of the Ventifoil while reefing when needed. The Ventifoils® can be rotated automatically to find the optimal angles relative to the apparent wind. The generated force will be transferred right into the deck and thus helping with propulsion of the vessel. To maintain the ships optimal speed, the engine power can be reduced.In heavy and/or unfavourable wind conditions the Ventifoils® can easily be folded and locked onto the flatrack.All equipment, like hydraulics, automation and ventilation are integrated in the flatrack unit. The only support of the vessel to the unit is 400-460 V, 3 phase, 50-60 Hz power connection.

[dbeierl]

M/V Tharsis has her own Facebook page. She trades mostly between Netherlands and UK. Looks like she just got those sails in October.

[ombugge]

More new wind power solutions for ships is in the pipeline:

WindWings gets AiP from DNV – ShipInsight

[ombugge]

Wind assisted Container ships design receives AiP from BV Class:

Wind-assisted boxship project moves ahead - Splash247

In case you wondered;
Yes the sails do fold to get under bridges and while in port handling containers:
https://computedwingsail.com/en/

[ombugge]

Airseas installs its first fuel-saving auto-kite on a cargo ship

[Chief_Seadog]

I wonder if they need some sort of dedicated crew or technicians when it is deployed. I know it says it is automated but how is it monitored? Just curious.

[dbeierl]

@Chief_Seadog

how is it monitored?

Mate watches it on radar?

[ombugge]

Don’t know if this answers the questions asked:

Seawing | Wind assisted shipping | Airseas

Maritime tech group: Energy efficiency technologies deserve greater priority