HGK Shipping has equipped the coastal vessel Amadeus Titanium with a wind-assist propulsion system aimed at cutting fuel use and emissions during transport operations for Covestro.

The vessel, which is operated by HGK Shipping subsidiary Amadeus Schiffahrts- und Speditions GmbH, was fitted with VentoFoils from Econowind at the Dutch port of Harlingen at the end of March 2026.

According to the company, the wind-assist system is expected to reduce fuel consumption by around 10% on average, with a corresponding cut in CO₂ emissions.

Wolfgang Nowak, Managing Director, Amadeus Schiffahrts- und Speditions GmbH, commented: “By using WAPS, i.e. so-called ‘wind assistance propulsion systems’ such as the VentoFoils from Econowind, we’re able to save fuel in our short-sea transport operations for Covestro. This brings with it both economic and ecological benefits.”

The installation forms part of HGK Shipping’s ongoing work with Covestro to improve the sustainability of short-sea transport operations.

Steffen Bauer, the CEO of the HGK Group and the CEO of HGK Shipping, stated: “Technological progress will create more options to complete transport logistics operations in the maritime sector and in the waterways system with lower emissions in future. Working with strategic partners such as Covestro, we’re seizing the opportunities that the market is opening up in the field of drive technologies, for example, or those that we’re developing for the design of vessels, often in conjunction with our customers.”

VentoFoils are non-rotating suction wings that use wind-assisted propulsion to generate auxiliary thrust, helping to reduce engine load, fuel consumption and emissions.