Chemship places repeat VentoFoils order with Econowind for two additional chemical tankers

Chemical tanker operator Chemship has placed a repeat order with Dutch wind propulsion specialist Econowind for the installation of VentoFoils on two more vessels, expanding its use of wind-assisted propulsion across the fleet.

Under the agreement, Chemical Contender and Chemical Fighter will each be fitted with four 16-metre ATEX-certified VentoFoils in the second half of 2026. The installations are intended to reduce fuel consumption and associated emissions during commercial operations.

Building on earlier installations

The new order follows Chemship’s earlier deployment of VentoFoils on Chemical Challenger, which was retrofitted with four 16-metre units in Rotterdam in early 2024. At the time, the vessel became the first chemical tanker globally to operate with wind-assisted ship propulsion technology.

According to Chemship, operational experience from Chemical Challenger has informed the decision to extend the technology to additional vessels in the fleet.

“We are pushing ahead on sustainability in every area of our business,” said Niels Grotz, CEO of Chemship. “I am a firm believer in net zero shipping. The results of the VentoFoils on Chemical Challenger speak for themselves. Combined with our fuel optimisation software, VentoFoils have reduced fuel use by up to 15%. The installation of VentoFoils on two more ships shows we are making meaningful progress towards a cleaner shipping future.”

Wind propulsion for chemical tankers

Econowind’s VentoFoils are designed as containerised, automated wind-assist units that can be integrated on deck without structural changes to the vessel. The ATEX-certified configuration allows their use on chemical tankers, where strict safety requirements apply.

Chiel de Leeuw, Chief Commercial Officer at Econowind, said:
“Chemship has shown leadership by being the first chemical tanker operator to embrace wind assisted ship propulsion and demonstrate what is possible in sustainability. We are proud to support their vision and, of course, to see an existing customer return. This repeat order is a strong endorsement of our technology and inspires others to explore proven solutions that reduce fuel use and lower emissions.”

Broader sustainability measures

Alongside wind-assisted propulsion, Chemship is implementing a range of efficiency measures across its fleet, including advanced hull coatings, premium lubricants and boss cap fins, aimed at improving hydrodynamic performance and reducing fuel consumption.

The company has recently received a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, placing it among the top 1% of companies assessed globally under the environmental, social and governance criteria used by the ratings agency.

Regulatory context

The upcoming installations on Chemical Contender and Chemical Fighter are expected to support Chemship’s compliance strategy under evolving regulatory frameworks, including the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation, which introduces greenhouse gas intensity limits for energy used onboard ships trading in European waters.

“At the moment we have the youngest and most economical fleet on our trade lanes,” Grotz added. “We are continuously looking for new technologies to further optimise fuel use, including as part of our fleet renewal programme.”