Chemical tanker operator Chemship has placed a follow-on order for wind-assisted propulsion systems after recording fuel savings of up to 15% on its first VentoFoil-equipped vessel.

The company has commissioned Econowind to supply VentoFoils for Chemical Contender and Chemical Fighter, with installations scheduled for the second half of 2026. Each vessel will be fitted with four 16-metre ATEX-certified units.

The decision follows the deployment of the same technology on Chemical Challenger, which entered service with four VentoFoils installed in Rotterdam in early 2024. That vessel is recognised as the first chemical tanker to operate with wind-assisted propulsion technology.

Chemship said the results from Chemical Challenger have validated the technology under real trading conditions. According to the company, combining VentoFoils with onboard fuel-optimisation software has reduced fuel consumption by as much as 15%.

"I am a firm believer in net-zero shipping. The results of the VentoFoils on Chemical Challenger speak for themselves," Chemship CEO Niels Grotz said. "Combined with our fuel optimisation software, VentoFoils have reduced fuel use by up to 15%. The installation of VentoFoils on two more ships shows we are making meaningful progress towards a cleaner shipping future."

Econowind described the repeat order as further evidence that wind-assisted propulsion is gaining traction beyond pilot projects. The supplier said Chemship’s return demonstrates growing confidence in wind solutions within the chemical tanker segment.

The additional installations form part of Chemship’s wider sustainability programme, which recently earned the company a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, placing it among the top 1% of companies assessed globally.

Alongside wind propulsion, Chemship is implementing other efficiency measures across its fleet, including advanced hull coatings, premium lubricants and boss cap fins, to further reduce fuel consumption.

The VentoFoil installations are also expected to support compliance with the FuelEU Maritime regulation, which progressively introduces stricter greenhouse gas intensity requirements for vessels calling at EU ports.

Chemship said it continues to evaluate additional technologies as part of its fleet renewal and optimisation strategy, noting that it already operates what it describes as one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets on its core trade lanes.