You are using an outdated browser For a better experience using this site, please upgrade to a modern web browser. Subscribe Get Daily Email Subscribe --> Contact Us Sign in Home News & Features Compliance Costs Bunker Prices Bunker Intelligence World News Latest Features World Americas EMEA Asia/Pacific Home News & Features World ABB and Econowind Combining Routing and Wind Propulsion to Cut Fuel Use ABB and Econowind Combining Routing and Wind Propulsion to Cut Fuel Use by Ship & Bunker News Team Monday July 27, 2026 Tweet Follow @shipandbunker Wind propulsion systems harness wind energy for propulsion, helping reduce bunker fuel consumption. Image Credit: ABB Engineering firm ABB and wind propulsion firm Econowind are combining weather routing with wind-assisted propulsion to help ships cut bunker fuel use and emissions. ABB's routing technology works with Econowind's VentoFoil wind propulsion system to maximise the use of favourable wind conditions and improve voyage efficiency, ABB said on its website on Friday . VentoFoil system generates forward thrust from the wind, allowing vessels to maintain speed while using less engine power. Depending on conditions, the technology can reduce bunker fuel consumption by 6-10% . ABB's routing software analyses weather forecasts and voyage data to help crews choose routes that maximise the benefits of wind propulsion, improving fuel efficiency throughout the voyage. The partnership, launched in 2025 , now covers around 150 VentoFoil units installed on about 50 vessels. ABB said its SPOS weather routing system is already used on more than 4,500 ships worldwide. The companies said combining wind propulsion with route optimisation can also help shipowners meet tightening environmental regulations. Lower fuel consumption can improve compliance with the IMO's EEXI and CII rules while reducing emissions costs under the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime regulations. Ship & Bunker News Team To contact the editor responsib