Econowind appoints Daan Koornneef as CEO to lead global scaling efforts
Founder Frank Nieuwenhuis to focus on next-generation VentoFoil technology

Wind propulsion pioneer Econowind has appointed Daan Koornneef as its new Chief Executive Officer. The appointment comes at a decisive moment for the Dutch company, which is scaling up operations to meet growing global demand for sustainable propulsion solutions. Founder Frank Nieuwenhuis will now dedicate his time fully to research and development, driving innovation behind the company’s next-generation VentoFoil technology.

The shipping industry is under mounting pressure to meet tightening decarbonization targets, including the introduction of FuelEU Maritime and other regional regulations. Wind-assisted ship propulsion is rapidly gaining traction as a practical and immediate measure to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, particularly as the sector transitions toward alternative fuels such as methanol, ammonia, and biofuels.

“I am proud to join Econowind at this exciting stage of growth,” said Koornneef. “Throughout my career, I have worked at the intersection of maritime operations and sustainability. What drew me to Econowind is the clarity of its mission, the practical value of its solution, and the ambitious team. Wind propulsion is not a future concept. It is available today and ready to make a real impact.”

Koornneef brings over 35 years of experience in the maritime and offshore sectors. He began his career in the Royal Netherlands Navy and later worked in towage, salvage, offshore energy, and manufacturing equipment for wind farm construction. His roles span a range of projects and services, including deep-water oil recovery from wrecks, marine management at LNG terminals and floating storage & regasification units, offshore wind installation, and heavy-lift transport for the energy transition. A commitment to environmental improvement has remained a consistent focus.

“Daan’s deep maritime background and strong sustainability mindset make him the right person to lead Econowind into the future,” said founder Frank Nieuwenhuis. “Leading a scale-up requires full-time focus. With Daan as CEO, I can work on what I enjoy most: pushing our technology forward and driving continuous improvements to the VentoFoils. Our goal is to maximise wind yield and minimise payback time, making wind propulsion an even more attractive investment for shipowners.”

Econowind started in shortsea and is now preparing to deploy larger VentoFoil units, measuring up to 30 meters, to meet the needs of deep-sea shipping. These systems are designed to complement alternative fuels by helping offset energy costs and compensating for the space required for larger fuel tanks. For many operators, wind propulsion is emerging as a key enabler in meeting emission reduction goals without compromising commercial performance.