German shipowner Leonhardt & Blumberg has fitted wind-assisted propulsion technology to the first of four general cargo newbuilds as part of a broader programme to reduce fuel consumption and emissions across its fleet.

The installation of Econowind VentoFoils on Hansa Drejoe was completed at Royal Niestern Sander Shipyard in the Netherlands in early August. A second vessel, Hansa Christiansoe, is currently at the same yard to receive the same equipment. Two further vessels of the same class are under construction in China and are expected to arrive in Europe in the first half of 2027 for final outfitting and commissioning.

According to Econowind, the VentoFoils are calculated to deliver around 10% additional thrust on each vessel, reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions accordingly. The assessment is based on the vessels’ actual trading routes throughout the year.

The four vessels — all Groot XL-type — were designed by Groot Ship Design and built with wind-assisted propulsion integration in mind from the outset, with two delivered in the first half of 2025 and two still under construction. The design is said to ensure optimal placement and seamless installation of the wind propulsion units.

Christoph Meier, naval architect at Leonhardt & Blumberg, stated: “We see wind-assisted ship propulsion as a logical next step in our journey toward greener operations. Of course, the business case is important, but we also feel a responsibility to move the industry forward. Econowind’s practical and well-developed technology allows us to do both, while gaining real operational experience along the way.”

Stijn Engelage, sales manager at Econowind, commented: “Our goal with VentoFoils is simple: to deliver measurable fuel savings with a clear business case. Leonhardt & Blumberg’s choice reflects their focus on proven technology and tangible results at sea. The systems will make a visible and immediate contribution to efficiency.”

VentoFoils are compact, autonomous wing systems that can be tilted in seconds and use boundary-layer suction to generate additional thrust and optimise aerodynamic efficiency. The technology has been deployed across a range of vessel types, including general cargo ships, tankers, heavy-lift vessels and multipurpose ships.