German shipowner Leonhardt & Blumberg has equipped Hansa Drejoe with Econowind VentoFoils. The vessel is the first of four general cargo newbuilds to receive the wind propulsion technology. The first installation was completed on Hansa Drejoe at Royal Niestern Sander Shipyard in early August. Hansa Christiansoe is currently at the shipyard for installation.
The four vessels were designed by Groot Ship Design. Two were delivered in the first half of 2025, while the other two are under construction in China. The Groot XL-type vessels were designed from the outset to allow the integration of wind-assisted propulsion. The two vessels under construction in China are expected to arrive in Europe in the first half of 2027 for final outfitting and commissioning.
