The Hamburg-based shipping company Leonhardt & Blumberg is relying on wind power for its new Ecofreighter-class short-sea vessels. The vessels are being retrofitted at a Dutch shipyard.
Leonhardt & Blumberg has extensively overhauled its own fleet in recent years, disposing of vessels and ordering newbuilds across various segments. These include the “Ecofreighters”, of which several shipowners have ordered several dozen units.
A few days ago, work was completed on the “Hansa Drejoe”, which has been fitted with so-called Ventofoils from Econowind. The vessel is the first of four new general cargo ships to be equipped with this wind-powered technology.
The installation took place at the Royal Niestern Sander shipyard, where the “Hansa Chistiansoe” is also currently undergoing retrofitting. According to Econowind’s calculations, the Ventofoils provide around 10 per cent additional thrust, thereby reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions accordingly.
“We see wind-assisted ship propulsion as the logical next step on our path towards more environmentally friendly operations,” said Christoph Meier of Leonhardt & Blumberg. “Of course, cost-effectiveness is important, but we also feel a responsibility to drive the industry forward. Econowind’s practical and mature technology enables us to achieve both, whilst allowing us to gain valuable practical experience during operation.”
The four vessels were designed by Groot Ship Design in collaboration with the Hamburg-based shipbroker Toepfer Transport and are regarded as the latest hit in short-sea shipping.
Two of the freighters were delivered in the first half of 2025; the other two are currently under construction in China. They are scheduled to enter service in the first half of 2027 and will arrive in Europe for final outfitting and commissioning. From the outset, the series was designed to allow for the integration of wind-assisted propulsion systems.
For Leonhardt & Blumberg, the installation of the Ventofoils forms part of a programme to trial complementary technologies that can offer measurable benefits both in terms of operational efficiency and environmental performance. Ventofoils are compact wing systems that can be tilted within seconds. The units utilise boundary layer suction to generate additional thrust and optimise aerodynamic efficiency. According to the company, Econowind has sold more than 150 units.
Founded in 1903, the company currently operates a fleet of 21 Handy-size container ships, five product tankers and two multi-purpose vessels. The fleet is set to grow further: the delivery of eight product tankers and four multi-purpose vessels is planned for the coming years, and newbuilds have also been ordered in India.
