Japanese shipowner Nissen Kaiun takes stake in Dutch wind-assist pioneer
Nissen Kaiun Invests in Wind Tech Firm Econowind
In a significant move towards sustainable shipping, Japanese shipowner Nissen Kaiun has acquired a stake in Dutch wind technology innovator Econowind. This partnership centers around Econowind’s VentoFoil, a cutting-edge wind-assist device that has seen over 130 units sold worldwide, catering to various segments within the maritime industry.
Partnership Promises Expansion and Innovation
Nissen Kaiun’s investment in Econowind underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing sustainability within the shipping sector. A spokesperson for Nissen Kaiun highlighted the maturity and effectiveness of the VentoFoil technology, stating, “We recognized that Econowind has a mature wind-assisted ship propulsion solution in the market.” The company is currently exploring the installation of larger VentoFoil units on its fleet, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly practices.
Daan Koornneef, CEO of Econowind, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that it will facilitate the growth of their VentoFoil product line, especially with larger units designed for deep-sea shipping. He emphasized the strategic advantage of partnering with Nissen Kaiun, which possesses a robust network across Japan and the broader Asian markets. “With them becoming a shareholder, we can expand our footprint and accelerate the development of larger units for the deep-sea markets,” Koornneef stated. This partnership not only aims to enhance product offerings but also positions Econowind for potential future production initiatives in Asia, signaling a promising direction for both companies in the evolving maritime landscape.
