Anthony Veder claims first to install sails onboard gas carrier

Rotterdam-based shipowner Anthony Veder claims that is the first worldwide to install sails onboard a gas carrier.

The owner has fitted two VentoFoils sails onboard of its 2009-built ethylene carrier Coral Patula, delivered by Econowind.

A second sister vessel, Coral Pearl, will be equipped with two similar sails, later this year.

Delivered by Econowind, these sails are designed to reduce fuel consumption and lower the company’s carbon footprint, according to Anthony Veder.

Based on IMO wind conditions, the company anticipates fuel savings of around 5%, with the potential of more than 10% in optimal wind conditions.

Björn van de Weerdhof, commercial and sustainability director at Anthony Veder highlighted that this initiative aligns with the company’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2035.

“While we focus on optimizing the design of newbuilds and running those on (bio-) LNG, we are equally committed to enhancing the efficiency of our existing fleet. This allows us to reduce our carbon footprint immediately,” he said.

Wind-assisted propulsion is a key component of this strategy.

Rens Groot, chief operations officer at Econowind, emphasised the advantages