Terntank Places Repeat Order for VentoFoil Wind Propulsion Units on Methanol-Ready Hybrid Tankers

Econowind has secured a second order from Terntank for the installation of eight VentoFoil wind propulsion units across two additional methanol-ready hybrid tankers. Each vessel will be fitted with four 16-meter VentoFoils, bringing the total number of equipped ships in the Terntank fleet to five and the total number of units ordered to 20.

The expanded order follows an initial agreement signed in May 2023 for three vessels. The first of those ships, Tern Vik, was delivered in April 2025 by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou).

All five vessels are outfitted with Kongsberg’s integrated energy and propulsion management system under the K-Sail concept. This allows wind power, battery energy storage and dual-fuel engines running on methanol or diesel to work in coordination, optimising performance based on real-time conditions. The design aims to enable zero-emission operations in line with the International Maritime Organization’s 2050 climate targets.

Terntank, based in the Nordic region, transports sustainable fuels and has incorporated wind-assisted propulsion as a core component of its fleet strategy. The lightweight, foldable VentoFoils are fully ATEX-certified to meet the operational safety standards required for tanker vessels and allow for efficient operations in port.

According to Claes Möller, CEO of Terntank, actual fuel savings from the first installations have aligned closely with predictions. He noted that integrating the VentoFoils with the vessel’s broader energy system was a seamless process.

The decision to expand the use of wind propulsion follows positive performance data from the initial installations. The vessels operate with a combination of wind, battery and fuel-based power sources, coordinated to reduce emissions and improve overall energy efficiency.

Econowind’s engineering team collaborated closely with both Terntank and Kongsberg to ensure system compatibility and optimise power distribution. The approach enables dynamic energy management based on operational requirements and weather conditions.

Chiel de Leeuw, Chief Commercial Officer at Econowind, said the order underscores both the practical viability of wind propulsion and the industry’s growing commitment to decarbonisation. With this latest contract, Econowind has sold over 130 VentoFoil units, now deployed or in the pipeline for a variety of vessel types including tankers, bulk carriers, container ships and ro-ro vessels. The trend highlights increasing interest in Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion technologies across maritime sectors.