Shipping companies deploy new wind-assisted cargo vessels

Shipping companies are expanding their fleets with new vessels featuring wind-assisted propulsion and hybrid technologies to reduce CO2 emissions.

German shipping firm Leonhardt and Blumberg (L&B) has acquired the Hansa Drejoe, a multi-purpose cargo vessel built by China's Dajin Heavy Industry. The ship is designed for European shortsea routes and features two Econowind foil-type wind-assist propulsion units, which are expected to provide approximately 10 per cent additional thrust. The vessel is also equipped with a selective catalytic reduction system to comply with IMO Tier III NOx regulations.

Separately, Baltic Shipping Company A/S has introduced two new 3,550 DWT coasters, the M/V Baltic Iron and M/V Baltic Timber. These hybrid vessels utilize both large battery packs and two Econowind VentoFoils, a combination intended to reduce fuel consumption by up to 12%. Both vessels are currently in commercial operation.