Construction work is expected to start in February 2020 and the ships are due to be delivered during H2 2021. The vessels are based on the latest developments related to environmental protection, digitalisation and design.

The ‘Hanse Eco’ fleet is the result of an initiative launched by Torsten Westphal, one of the founding members of Arkon Shipping. Developing a future-oriented short sea fleet provides a sustainable solution for shipbuilding that is designed to meet specific needs – and this work is taking place with its partner Rhenus.

The cargo hold has capacity for more than 5,500 m3 of bulk, project or breakbulk cargo.

“Our Hanse-Eco fleet is pointing the way forwards so that we can meet climate protection requirements and also make sensible use of the mega trend of digitalisation,” said Westphal. “We’re providing a high standard for European shipping 2.0 – from the planning stage until the vessels are put into service.

The ‘Hanse-Eco’ vessels are claimed to have a number of optimised features compared to traditional designs: having the bridge at the front provides a clear view during deck loading procedures and the innovative hull shape reduces fuel consumption.

An enlarged hold length also makes it possible to transport project loads as well as classic bulk and breakbulk cargo. “This type of vessel with its end-to-end deck is ideally suited to handle large-volume and bulky goods and is able to serve new cargo segments with its ‘open-top’ capability,” said the company.

Alongside the water treatment systems, which will be mandatory from 2020 onwards, the eco-vessels are equipped with a hybrid ship’s propulsion system with an organic catalytic converter, support from an electrical motor and a waste gas after-treatment unit.

This meets the stipulations of the future IMO Tier III exhaust gas standard and also significantly reduces emissions of CO2 and PM as well as fuel consumption. The main engine can also use organic fuel.

“An integrated automation system and using the latest camera technology simplify the operational processes on board and in ports and reduce the administrative work needing to be completed by captains,” added Ralf Uebachs, managing director of Rhenus-Arkon-Shipinvest.