VESSEL REVIEW | Hansa Drejoe – Multi-purpose cargo carrier for European shortsea routes

German shipping company Leonhardt and Blumberg (L&B) has expanded its fleet with the recent acquisition of a new shortsea multi-purpose cargo vessel built by Dajin Heavy Industry of China.

Hansa Drejoe is the second ship in a series to be built by Dajin Heavy Industry for L&B.

The owner said the ship features an innovative design that focuses on reducing emissions and the efficient transport of general, project, and bulk cargoes. The design therefore ensures compatibility with a broad range of port environments within Europe.

The newbuild has an LOA of 99.79 metres (327.4 feet), a beam of 15.44 metres (50.66 feet), a draught of 6.2 metres (20 feet), a depth of 7.4 metres (24 feet), a deadweight of 5,988, a gross tonnage of 4,487, and a box-shaped hold that measures 71.4 by 12.85 by 10 metres (234 by 42.16 by 33 feet) and that has a total capacity of 9,108 cubic metres (320,000 cubic feet).

Cargo-carrying flexibility coupled with reduced-emission propulsion

The ship features four tweendecks and two movable grain bulkheads while the hold has ventilation systems to permit periodic air changes, thus helping preserve the quality of certain types of cargo. The hatchcovers have a rated strength of two tonnes per square metre to enable these to transport cargo.

The propulsion arrangement includes one MAN 6L 27/38-HPSCR four-stroke diesel engine with a rated output of 2,190 kW (2,940 hp), which drives a propeller to deliver a service speed of 10.5 knots.

A selective catalytic reduction system ensures compliance with IMO Tier III NOx emissions regulations when operating on conventional marine fuel.

The vessel is also fitted with two foil-type wind-assist propulsion units supplied by Econowind. The foils are expected to deliver around 10 per cent additional thrust, thereby reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions accordingly, according to Econowind.

Ice-class hull and efficiency-enhancing wind-assist units

The foil units are compact, autonomous wing systems that can be tilted in seconds. The units use boundary layer suction, creating additional thrust and optimising aerodynamic efficiency.

The vessel’s design was configured from the outset to permit integration of wind-assist propulsion to ensure optimal placement and ease of installation. Installation of the units was undertaken at Royal Niestern Sander in the Netherlands.

Hansa Drejoe was built in compliance with DNV class requirements including those under the ice class 1A notation. The ship currently sails under the flag of Portugal and is operated under charter by Rotterdam-based NewTide.

The ship and her sisters will be used on both shortsea and regional trade. Hansa Drejoe and earlier sister Hansa Christiansoe are already operating while the final two vessels in the series are scheduled to be handed over in 2027.