Leonhardt and Blumberg installs VentoFoils to cut fuel use 10%

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German shipowner Leonhardt & Blumberg is installing Econowind VentoFoil wind propulsion systems on four GROOT XL vessels, targeting fuel consumption and carbon dioxide reductions of about 10 percent based on their actual trading patterns.

The first installation was completed aboard HANSA DREJOE at Royal Niestern Sander Shipyard in early August. Sister vessel HANSA CHRISTIANSOE is currently at the Dutch yard for installation.

The programme also covers two vessels under construction in China. Those ships are expected to arrive in Europe during the first half of 2027 for final outfitting and commissioning.

Econowind calculated that its VentoFoils could provide approximately 10 percent additional thrust across the vessels’ operations. The assessment was based on the routes that the ships trade throughout the year, rather than performance under a single set of wind conditions.

The additional thrust is expected to reduce the workload placed on the conventional propulsion system. Fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions should decline accordingly, although actual savings will depend on weather, route, vessel speed and operating conditions.

For shipowners, that distinction matters. Wind propulsion performance cannot be measured solely by the output of the equipment at a particular moment. Its commercial value depends on how often suitable wind conditions occur across a vessel’s normal schedule and how effectively the system is used alongside the main engine.

The four installations will give Leonhardt & Blumberg operational data from ships working on established routes. That experience should allow the company to compare the projected fuel savings with performance recorded during commercial voyages.

“We see wind assisted ship propulsion as a logical next step in our journey toward greener operations,” said Christoph Meier, naval architect at Leonhardt & Blumberg.

“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 four GROOT XL vessels were designed by Groot Ship Design with the future integration of wind propulsion systems included from the outset. This allowed the naval architects to consider the positioning of the VentoFoils during the design stage.

Placement is important because wind propulsion equipment must operate without unnecessarily restricting cargo handling, bridge visibility or other onboard activities. Designing the vessels around the systems can also reduce the amount of structural modification required during installation.

Two of the vessels were delivered during the first half of 2025. The remaining two are being built in China and will receive their final equipment after reaching Europe in 2027.

The installation schedule means the owner can begin collecting operating data from HANSA DREJOE and HANSA CHRISTIANSOE before the two newbuildings enter service with the technology.

“Our goal with VentoFoils is simple: to deliver measurable fuel savings with a clear business case,” said Stijn Engelage, sales manager at Econowind.

“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.”

VentoFoils are compact wing systems that use boundary layer suction to improve aerodynamic performance. The technology draws air across the surface of each wing, increasing the pressure difference that generates forward thrust.

The autonomous units can be tilted within seconds when operating conditions, port restrictions or cargo activities require them to be lowered. Conventional propulsion remains available throughout operations, with the wind systems providing supplementary power when conditions permit.

Econowind has installed the technology on several vessel categories, including general cargo ships, tankers, heavy lift vessels and multipurpose ships. The Leonhardt & Blumberg installations form part of the owner’s wider programme to evaluate complementary efficiency technologies through commercial operations.