Covestro and HGK Shipping have committed themselves to advancing sustainable shipping in European short-sea traffic: According to a press release from July 9, the two companies have signed an agreement to extend their existing partnership until 2040. This includes, among other things, the retrofitting of the ship "Amadeus Titanium" with a resource-saving wind assist system. According to the cooperation partners, so-called "VentoFoils" will be retrofitted on the liquid coaster of Shipping's subsidiary Amadeus Schiffahrts- und Speditions GmbH. Through improved energy balances and CO2 reductions, the chemical company and the HGK group aim to contribute to their respective sustainability goals.
Automatic adjustment to wind conditions
The wing-like VentoFoils, according to company information, have integrated
technology for active flow control. According to the manufacturer Econowind, they automatically align with the wind conditions to optimally utilize the resulting propulsion force. This concept is intended to enable an average fuel saving of around ten percent and a reduction in CO2 emissions.
"We develop solutions in close exchange with our customers for the logistical requirements of tomorrow. The retrofitting of the 'Amadeus Titanium' with VentoFoils emphasizes the commitment of all involved to greater energy efficiency and a sustainable use of resources in shipping," explains Wolfgang Nowak, Managing Director of Amadeus Schiffahrts- und Speditions GmbH, the motivation for the retrofit.
"This contract extension marks another milestone in our long-standing partnership with HGK
Shipping. The signing underscores our shared commitment to safe, sustainable, and efficient logistics and strengthens our strategic collaboration for the coming years. We value HGK as a reliable partner who shares our vision of a future-proof transport chain and embarks on innovative paths with us," adds Stefan Kashelikar, Logistics Manager at Covestro Deutschland AG.
According to the press release, preparations for the retrofitting of the "Amadeus Titanium" are taking place as part of a planned shipyard stay in September 2025. The complete installation of the system is expected by the end of the year. Besides Econowind, De Bock Maritiem B.V. is also involved in this project as the so-called Technical Manager of the
ship.
The sea vessel, converted from a dry coaster to a chemical tanker, has been exclusively in service for Covestro in European short-sea traffic since October 2020. Amadeus Schiffahrt provides the ship and is responsible for the entire operational handling of ship logistics as part of a service contract. The extension of this contract until 2040 was announced at the transport logistic trade fair at the beginning of June.
According to the press release, HGK Shipping has already been working for more than 80 years for the chemical company Covestro, handling not only sea transport but also transportation on inland waterways – including the pre-carriage from production sites in Germany to the relevant
