German shipowner Leonhardt & Blumberg has equipped the general cargo vessel HANSA DREJOE with Econowind VentoFoils, marking the first of four newbuilds to receive wind-assisted propulsion technology. Completed at the Royal Niestern Sander Shipyard, the installation is projected by Econowind to deliver around 10 percent additional thrust, translating to direct reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Designed by Groot Ship Design, the GROOT XL-type vessels integrate wind propulsion seamlessly, supporting the company’s long-term strategy for efficient and sustainable fleet operations.
Zeewolde, The Netherlands | August 12, 2026 – Prominent German shipowner Leonhardt & Blumberg has officially integrated Econowind VentoFoils onto the general cargo vessel HANSA DREJOE. This milestone marks the first of a four-vessel series of general cargo newbuilds scheduled to receive advanced wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) technology.
The move underscores a practical, hands-on corporate strategy aimed at slashing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while gathering crucial, real-world operational insights into auxiliary wind propulsion.
Key Highlights of the Project
- First Installation Complete: The maiden retrofit and installation was successfully finalized on the HANSA DREJOE at the Royal Niestern Sander Shipyard in early August.
- Immediate Successor in Line: Sister vessel HANSA CHRISTIANSOE is currently stationed at the yard undergoing the same wind-propulsion outfitting.
- Projected Efficiency: Based on comprehensive route-specific assessments tracking the vessels’ actual annual trading paths, Econowind calculates that the VentoFoils will deliver approximately 10 percent additional thrust, directly reducing fuel burn and corresponding carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
- Fleet Rollout Plan: The quartet of vessels comprises a series designed from the ground up for wind integration, with two units delivered in early 2025 and two currently under construction in China (slated to arrive in Europe in the first half of 2027).
Driving Greener Operations Through Practical Engineering
As regulatory pressures mount and the maritime sector accelerates its search for viable decarbonisation vectors, leading shipowners are turning to hybrid propulsion models that marry traditional engineering with clean, inexhaustible natural forces.
Christoph Meier, Naval Architect at Leonhardt & Blumberg, highlighted the philosophy behind the adoption “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.”
The vessels themselves are GROOT XL-type general cargo ships meticulously designed by Groot Ship Design. Crucially, they were engineered from the initial design phase to accommodate wind-assisted propulsion seamlessly, ensuring optimal deck placement, structural readiness, and clean integration.
Stijn Engelage, Sales Manager at Econowind, praised the partnership “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.”
Technology Spotlight: How VentoFoils Work
VentoFoils are compact, autonomous aerodynamic wing systems engineered to provide auxiliary propulsion through clean wind energy. Key features include:
- Tiltable Design: Units can be tilted down in a matter of seconds to clear obstacles, manage port operations, or handle cargo loading.
- Boundary Layer Suction: The system utilizes internal fans and targeted suction vents to optimize airflow over the aerodynamic profile, maximizing lift and generating substantial auxiliary thrust.
- Cross-Sector Versatility: Proven across diverse maritime segments, VentoFoils have been deployed successfully across general cargo carriers, tankers, heavy-lift vessels, and multipurpose (MPP) ships.
By integrating wind technology into its broader fleet modernization strategy, Leonhardt & Blumberg continues to pioneer resilient, future-ready operations designed to weather both shifting market demands and stringent environmental mandates.
Corporate Profiles
Econowind
Econowind develops and builds wind-assisted ship propulsion systems that help the shipping industry reduce fuel use and emissions. Its patented VentoFoil technology uses suction-based airflow control to deliver scalable, cost-effective energy savings. With more than 150 units sold, the company is contributing to a practical and profitable path toward maritime decarbonization.
Leonhardt & Blumberg
Founded in 1903, Leonhardt & Blumberg today steers an experienced and well-attuned team managing a fleet of 21 handy-sized container ships, five product tankers, and two multipurpose vessels. The fleet is set to expand further with eight product tankers and four multipurpose newbuilds scheduled for delivery in the coming years. The company is involved in all key steps of shipping: building, finance, nautical-technical ship management, and crewing.
Groot Ship Design
Groot Ship Design is a specialist design house for sea-going cargo vessels up to handy size. In particular, short-sea, multipurpose, project cargo, and dry cargo or bulk vessels are the primary specialties of Groot Ship Design. The company serves numerous shipowners from all over Europe and cooperates with shipyards not only in the Netherlands but also in the Far East.
Niestern Sander
Niestern Sander Repair is a versatile ship repair and maintenance specialist, offering a broad range of services including repairs, conversions, and special surveys. These activities are carried out in two dry docks as well as on a slipway, allowing the company to handle a wide variety of vessel types and projects efficiently. With its extensive technical expertise, Niestern Sander Repair is a reliable partner for maritime projects, including the installation of innovative solutions such as Econowind VentoFoils.
Source: Econowind