Germany’s Amadeus Schiffahrts- und Speditions has brought in a wind-assisted newbuilding to bolster its shortsea fleet.
The company, a subsidiary of inland tanker giant HGK Shipping, said it has contracted the 3,640-dwt river-sea general cargo ship Amadeus Saffier (built 2024) over the long term.
Amadeus explained that the European shortsea fleet now has a high average age, with requirements for logistics operations growing due to the energy transition.
The vessel is owned by De Bock Maritiem of the Netherlands and was built at Holland Shipyards.
The ship began its first voyage, from Antwerp to Gijon in Spain, this month.
The diesel-electric Amadeus Saffier can switch from low-sulphur marine gasoil to alternative, more sustainable energy sources, the charterer said.
It is also equipped with VentoFoils, a wind-assisted propulsion system.
When combined with the adapted shape of the hull and an optimised propellor, this cuts up to half of emissions, the company claimed.
Energy efficiency is up to 30% higher than existing vessels, it added.
The design was developed by Conoship to carry breakbulk cargo in the North Sea, Baltic Sea, Mediterranean and Black Sea regions.
Low draught
It has a low draught of five metres when fully loaded, so can handle the transition between the open sea and the River Rhine, the Albert Canal and other inland waterways.
Gilbert de Bock, owner and general manager of De Bock Maritiem, said: “Commissioning the Amadeus Saffier marks a new chapter for our company. We’re also continuing to espouse innovations and sustainability in shipping and are placing the partner-like cooperation with Amadeus on a broad footing.”
Steffen Bauer, chief executive of HGK Shipping, added: “The renewal of the European shortsea fleet is indispensable in order to meet the growing demands on the part of customers for modern transport logistics operations.”
