Dutch wind-propulsion pioneer Econowind has secured a Type Approval Design Certificate from classification society DNV for its VentoFoil 3-Series suction wings. This landmark certification eliminates repetitive design assessments, significantly accelerating the retrofit and newbuild installation of wind-assisted technology across the global shipping fleet.
Zeewolde, Netherlands | July 16, 2026 – In a major boost for the commercial scaling of Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS), Dutch wind pioneer Econowind has secured a Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) from leading classification society DNV for its 16-meter VentoFoil 3-Series boundary layer suction wing.
The certification confirms compliance with DNV’s rigorous ST-0511 standard for wind propulsion. By eliminating the need for repetitive, vessel-by-vessel design assessments, the TADC significantly slashes engineering lead times and project complexity. For DNV-classed vessels worldwide, the path to integrating VentoFoils, whether as late-stage design additions for newbuilds or as rapid retrofits, is now dramatically cleared.
Market Momentum: Over 150 Units Sold
The certification comes as the 3-Series establishes itself as Econowind’s best-selling suction wing, with more than 150 units sold to date.
VentoFoil’s suction technology, step-by-step:
- Wind Flow: Natural wind passes over the wing, acting as the primary energy source.
- Boundary Layer Suction: Active internal suction stabilizes the airflow, preventing turbulence.
- VentoFoil Wing: The aerodynamic design optimizes and multiplies the lift force.
- Maximum Forward Thrust: The resulting pressure differential generates powerful forward propulsion.
- Operational Savings: The thrust directly reduces fuel consumption and lowers costly FuelEU Maritime penalties.
Unlike passive sails, the VentoFoil actively uses internal boundary layer suction to multiply the thrust generated by wind passing over the wing. To address the practical realities of cargo handling and extreme weather, the system features a tilting foundation, allowing the 16-meter wings to be folded down safely during port operations or adverse sea states.
A “Five-Fold” Rise in Wind Propulsion
The regulatory milestone aligns with an unprecedented surge in commercial wind-assist adoption. According to DNV data, the global fleet of wind-assisted vessels has grown exponentially in recent years. The exponential rise of Wind Propulsion:
| Global Fleet (2022) | Global Fleet (2026) |
| • Nascent market | • 5x increase in operation |
| • Handful of test ships | • Over 100 commercial vessels deployed |
“WAPS have been going from strength to strength over the past few years,” said Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer at DNV Maritime. “From 2022, the number of vessels in operation has increased five times, and we’ve now topped the century mark. With the current advances in technology, materials, and production capacity in the segment, we expect this to accelerate.“
De-Risking the Retrofit Decision
For shipowners navigating the tightening compliance margins of FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), independent third-party certification is a critical de-risking factor.
“This TADC gives DNV-classed shipowners confidence that VentoFoils meet the highest industry standards,” said Chiel de Leeuw, Chief Commercial Officer at Econowind. “It simplifies the approval process for both retrofits and newbuilds. This is an important milestone for Econowind and for the wider adoption of wind-assisted ship propulsion.”
Among the first vessels to actively benefit from this streamlined regulatory path is the MS Heinz, operated by German shipping company HS Schiffahrt, which is already sailing equipped with the newly certified TADC VentoFoils.
Technical Specifications: The Econowind Fleet
| Feature / Detail | VentoFoil 3-Series | VentoFoil 5-Series |
| Primary Target Market | Short-sea shipping, coastal vessels | Deep-sea, larger ocean-going vessels |
| Key Mechanism | Boundary layer suction wing | Boundary layer suction wing |
| Physical Feature | Tilting foundation (port/weather safety) | Scaled for high-altitude wind capture |
| DNV Status | Fully TADC certified (16m design) | Custom integration options |
Beyond the short-sea focused 3-Series, Econowind is also expanding its footprint in the deep-sea sector with its larger 5-Series wings, aiming to bring fuel savings and emission-reduction capabilities to the global merchant fleet facing volatile marine fuel spreads.
About Econowind
Econowind is a leading developer of Wind-Assisted Propulsion System (WAPS), dedicated to helping the global shipping industry reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Its patented VentoFoil technology leverages advanced aerodynamics and suction-based airflow control to deliver scalable, cost-effective energy savings. With over 150 VentoFoils sold, Econowind offers a practical, profitable, and highly certified pathway toward maritime decarbonization.
Source: Econowind