Leonhardt & Blumberg equips new cargo ships with VentoFoils

German shipowner Leonhardt & Blumberg has begun equipping its new fleet of four general cargo vessels with Econowind VentoFoils, a wind-assisted propulsion technology. The first vessel, the HANSA DREJOE, completed its installation at the Royal Niestern Sander shipyard in early August, with the HANSA CHRISTIANSOE currently undergoing the same process.

Econowind estimates that the VentoFoils will provide approximately 10 percent additional thrust based on the vessels’ actual annual trading routes. This increased thrust is intended to reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The GROOT XL-type vessels were designed by Groot Ship Design specifically to allow for the seamless integration of wind propulsion from the outset.

Two of the four vessels were delivered in the first half of 2025, while the remaining two are currently under construction in China. These final two ships are expected to arrive in Europe during the first half of 2027 for final outfitting and commissioning.