Econowind

Econowind is a Dutch company that develops wind-assisted propulsion for merchant ships. It is led by CEO Frank Nieuwenhuis, and its product is the VentoFoil, a non-rotating suction wing with vents and internal fans. The fans draw air through the wing surface (boundary-layer suction), which the company says multiplies the thrust the wind produces.

VentoFoils are offered in three formats: a flatrack unit that can be placed on deck like cargo, a containerised base-frame unit, and fixed installations for newbuilds. This allows short-sea operators to retrofit general cargo ships, bulkers and tankers without major structural work. The 3-Series is the established model, and the larger 5-Series targets deep-sea vessels.

According to the input data, Econowind has passed 100 VentoFoil sales, and in September 2025 the Japanese shipowner Nissen Kaiun took a stake in the company. In July 2026 the VentoFoil 3-Series received a DNV Type Approval Design Certificate, which the company expects to simplify class approval for new installations.