The Dutch engineering firm eConowind BV has finished land-testing its foldable, autonomous wind system and is readying it for sea trials.
A full-size eConowind system will be tested in the North Sea and Baltic on MV Lady Christina operated by WijnneBarends Delfzijl. Two units will be installed in a 40-foot container mounted on the hatchcovers. From there, with a button push in the bridge, the VentiFoils can be folded out to act like sails. They will automatically adjust to the direction of the wind to generate maximum thrust.