HGK Shipping installs wind-assisted propulsion system on its vessel

HGK Shipping, part of German shipping and logistic group HGK, has partnered with Dutch wind energy firm Econowind to install wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) on its coastal vessel, Amadeus Titanium.

IMAGE: HGK Shipping’s Amadeus Titanium equipped with WAPS. HGK Shipping

The vessel has been fitted with suction sails at the Dutch port town of Harlingen. It is operated by Amadeus Schiffahrts- und Speditions, a subsidiary of HGK Shipping, and is currently deployed under German polymer manufacturer Covestro.

The installation could lower the vessel’s fuel consumption by approximately 10%, according to Econowind.

The uptake of wind-assisted propulsion is gathering pace as shipowners seek greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

In March, Norwegian firm Grieg Maritime teamed up with UK-based engineering company GT Wings to equip its cargo vessel Star Kirkenes with WAPS.

During the same month, Japan’s classification society ClassNK validated the performance of a kite-based wind propulsion system developed by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line)  and its French subsidiary Oceanicwing.

By Tuhin Roy

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