The Hanse-Eco fleet is the result of an initiative by Torsten Westphal, founding member of Arkon Shipping. Together with its partner Rhenus, the development of a sustainable shortsea fleet is a sustainable solution for shipbuilding.

Rhenus-Arkon-Shipinvest has developed its own ship standard for European short-sea traffic. The Hanse-Eco ship will be around 90 meters long and have a carrying capacity of 4,200 tons. The cargo hold volume will be over 5,500 cubic meters.

"Our Hanse-Eco fleet shows a way of doing justice to climate protection and at the same time making sensible use of the digitalization megatrend. We are therefore setting a high standard for European shipping 2.0 from the planning stage through to commissioning," says Torsten Westphal, Managing Shareholder of Rhenus-Arkon-Shipinvest.

The Hanse-Eco ships are characterized by a number of optimizations compared to the conventional design: The forward arrangement of the bridge offers a clear view even with deck cargoes and the innovative hull shape reduces fuel consumption. In addition, an increased cargo hold length is suitable for project cargoes as well as classic bulk and breakbulk cargoes. This type of ship is characterized by its continuous deck for bulky and bulky goods and is able to serve new cargo segments thanks to its open-top capability.

In addition to the water treatment systems required from 2020, the eco-ships will be equipped with a hybrid ship propulsion system with a bio-catalytic converter, electric motor support and exhaust gas aftertreatment. This will not only meet the requirements of the future IMO Tier III emissions standard, but will also significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, particulate matter emissions and fuel consumption. The main engine can also burn biofuel.

"An integrated automation system and the use of state-of-the-art camera technology simplify the operational processes on the ship and in the ports and reduce the captains' administrative work," adds Ralf Uebachs, Managing Director of Rhenus-Arkon-Shipinvest.