Dutch-based Econowind gains Japanese shareholder: Know more

Dutch company Econowind, which develops wind-assisted propulsion for ships, has added Japanese shipowner Nissen Kaiun as a shareholder.

Dutch-based Econowind, a company that provides wind-powered devices for ships that help reduce fuel use and emissions, has added Japanese shipowner Nissen Kaiun as a shareholder.

According to Econowind, this investment reflects increasing interest in fuel-neutral technologies within the shipping industry. 

In February 2025, the Dutch company secured €1M from Invest International, which collaborated with Regional Development Companies, specifically the Development Company for Northern Netherlands and Horizon Flevoland, which provided an additional €2M in equity to Econowind.

Nissen Kaiun, based in Imabari and operating a diversified fleet through multiple subsidiaries, selected Econowind for its Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion technology.

Econowind has developed the VentoFoil, a wing-shaped device designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions on ships. The company has sold more than 130 units worldwide, serving shortsea and deepsea operators across multiple market segments.

A spokesperson for Nissen Kaiun mentions, “We recognised that Econowind has a mature Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion solution in the market. As one of the market leaders, Econowind delivers proven technology. Making shipping more sustainable is a top priority at Nissen Kaiun.”

“We are currently looking into installing the large version of their innovative VentoFoils on our vessels. It is well-suited to maritime conditions while being easy for the crew to use. This technology allows us to take steps in reducing fuel consumption and emissions.”

Econowind’s partnership with Nissen Kaiun

The partnership with Nissen Kaiun will support the expansion of the VentoFoil product line, including larger units for deepsea shipping. The agreement may also lead to future production opportunities in Asia.

The investment comes as shipowners seek immediate measures to reduce emissions in response to regulatory requirements. Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion can be integrated with any engine type or fuel strategy, providing a fuel-neutral option for operators.

Daan Koornneef, CEO of Econowind, says, “The partnership with Nissen Kaiun will support the expansion of our VentoFoil product line, including larger units for deepsea shipping, and could also open the door to future production in Asia.”

“Nissen Kaiun is the perfect partner with a large network in Japan and wider Asian markets. With them becoming a shareholder, we can expand our footprint and accelerate the development of larger units for the deepsea markets.”

Brief about Econowind

Founded in 2016, Econowind provides solutions for shipowners seeking fuel-neutral propulsion and emission reduction. The company focuses on wind-assisted ship propulsion and offers foldable, autonomous units in different sizes for coastal vessels.

The technology allows ships to use wind as a renewable energy source. It helps reduce emissions and supports compliance with regulatory frameworks such as the Poseidon Principles and energy efficiency goals, including EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) and EEXI (Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index).

Econowind offers two main systems. The Flatrack unit uses ISO-fix corners and can be placed or removed quickly. It can be moved with the vessel’s hatch crane, removing the need for additional harbour equipment, and can be used on vessels such as general cargo ships.

While the eConowind unit is based on a 40 ft sea container, it can also be placed or removed quickly. It can be installed on vessels with space for one or two containers, including general cargo ships and tankers.