ABB and Econowind are combining aerodynamic wind-assisted propulsion systems with advanced digital weather-routing software to maximize fuel savings and regulatory compliance. By integrating Econowind’s VentoFoil technology with ABB’s SPOS platform, the partnership delivers measurable reductions in fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and operating costs for global shipping.
Zeewolde, Netherlands | July 24, 2026 – As the global maritime industry accelerates its search for scalable, zero-carbon propulsion solutions, wind power is experiencing a powerful renaissance. According to forecasts by the International Windship Association, approximately 800 ships will feature sails or be “wind-ready” by 2028. Meanwhile, analysis from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research indicates that broad adoption of wind assistance across the world fleet could slash overall fuel consumption by 6.3 to 9.4 percent.
To unlock the full potential of these auxiliary wind systems, hardware must be paired with precision digital intelligence. A strategic partnership between technology leader ABB and Dutch wind-propulsion specialist Econowind is setting a new benchmark, combining aerodynamic hardware with advanced weather-routing software to maximize fuel savings and regulatory compliance.
Aerodynamic Innovation: The VentoFoil Advantage
At the heart of Econowind’s offering is the VentoFoil, a modern, aerodynamic Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion (WASP) system. Designed to generate forward thrust from natural wind, the unit utilizes boundary-layer suction to create a pressure differential that pulls the vessel forward.
Mounted on newbuilds or retrofitted onto existing commercial vessels, the VentoFoil enables a ship in transit to maintain its required service speed while operating its main engines at a lower load. Under standard operating conditions, this setup reduces fuel consumption by 6 to 10 percent.
Beyond immediate bunker cost savings, a critical buffer during periods of oil market volatility, WASP technology provides significant regulatory relief:
- IMO Compliance: Enhanced fuel efficiency directly improves a ship’s ratings under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII).
- EU ETS Reduction: Lower fuel burn means shipowners must surrender fewer carbon allowances under the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme.
- FuelEU Maritime: Zero-emission wind propulsion actively reduces the overall greenhouse gas intensity of the energy used onboard.
Digital Routing: Maximizing Wind in Real Operating Environments
While wind is an inexhaustible, free energy source, its availability is inherently dynamic. To capture optimal thrust, vessel masters require real-time visibility into shifting meteorological conditions.
Under a landmark 2025 contract covering approximately 150 VentoFoil units slated for 50 vessels, ABB’s onboard weather routing platform, the ABB Ability™ Ship Performance Optimization System (SPOS), has been integrated across multiple wind-assisted ships. SPOS, which is deployed on over 4,500 vessels worldwide, allows captains to simulate and execute route options that maximize aerodynamic yield.
Furthermore, Econowind leverages ABB’s weather Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to run deep voyage analytics. This data stream provides empirical evidence of how WASP technology cuts operational expenditures and lowers emissions in real-world conditions, serving as a powerful tool for customer return-on-investment (ROI) calculations.
“By combining zero-emission wind propulsion with advanced data analytics, Econowind and ABB make sustainable performance not only visible but also measurable, scalable, and immediately valuable for the maritime industry’s energy transition,” says Maarten van der Klip, Data & Performance Director at Econowind.
Comprehensive Industrial Synergy
The collaboration extends beyond software and sails into electrical engineering and global manufacturing support. ABB supplies identical electromotors and drives to Econowind’s production facilities in the Netherlands and China, ensuring strict standardization. Vessels equipped with VentoFoils also benefit from ABB’s worldwide service network, securing prompt access to maintenance and spare parts wherever they dock.
“Our continued technological innovation and expanded digital portfolio have allowed us to bring advanced routing capabilities to new segments,” comments Michael Greavette, Head of Commercial, Routing Services at ABB’s Marine and Ports division. “We are proud to be the routing provider of choice as the industry navigates a critical phase in its decarbonisation journey.”
By bridging clean auxiliary energy with digital voyage optimization, the ABB and Econowind partnership highlights a vital roadmap for maritime decarbonization: proving that future-proofing the fleet relies as much on smart data as it does on smart engineering.
About Econowind
Based in the Netherlands, Econowind develops patented wind-assisted propulsion systems. With a portfolio ranging from containerized units to fixed 30-metre wings, the company provides scalable, cost-effective solutions for the global maritime industry’s journey toward decarbonization.
About ABB
ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered, and operated. Building on over 140 years of excellence, ABB’s more than 110,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation.
Source: ABB