09.07.2025 | Press Release

Covestro and HGK Shipping set sail in short sea shipping

Duisburg. Covestro and HGK Shipping are working together to promote sustainable shipping in European short-sea transport: the two companies have now signed an agreement to extend their existing partnership until 2040. Among other things, it includes retrofitting the ship "Amadeus Titanium" with a resource-saving wind assistance system. VentoFoils will be retrofitted on the liquid coaster of the shipping subsidiary Amadeus Schiffahrts- und Speditions GmbH. This is a further step by the chemical company and the HGK Group to contribute to their respective sustainability goals thanks to improved energy balances and_{CO2 reductions}.

The wing-like VentoFoils have integrated technology for active flow control. According to manufacturer Econowind, they automatically align themselves to the wind conditions so that the resulting drive power can be optimally utilised. This concept enables fuel savings of around ten per cent on average and a reduction in CO₂ emissions.

"We work closely with our customers to develop solutions for the logistics requirements of tomorrow. Retrofitting the 'Amadeus Titanium' with VentoFoils emphasises the commitment of everyone involved to greater energy efficiency and the sustainable use of resources in shipping," says Wolfgang Nowak, Managing Director of Amadeus Schiffahrts- und Speditions GmbH, explaining the reason for the retrofit.

The retrofitting of the 'Amadeus Titanium' with VentoFoils emphasises the commitment of everyone involved to greater energy efficiency.

Wolfgang Nowak, Managing Director Amadeus Schiffahrts- und Speditions GmbH

The illustration shows how the liquid coaster "Amadeus Titanium" from HGK shipping subsidiary Amadeus Schiffahrts- und Speditions GmbH will be travelling for Covestro in future with the retrofitted VentoFoils. © De Bock Maritiem B.V.

"This contract extension marks another milestone in our long-standing partnership with HGK Shipping. The signing emphasises our joint commitment to safe, sustainable and efficient logistics and strengthens our strategic cooperation for the coming years. We value HGK as a reliable partner who shares our vision of a future-proof transport chain and who is pursuing innovative paths with us," added Stefan Kashelikar, Head of Logistics at Covestro Deutschland AG.

Preparations for retrofitting the "Amadeus Titanium" will take place during a planned shipyard visit in September 2025, with full installation of the system scheduled for the end of the year. In addition to Econowind, De Bock Maritiem B.V. is also involved in this project as a partner in the role of Technical Manager of the ship.

The ocean-going vessel, which has been converted from a dry coaster to a chemical tanker, has been operating exclusively for Covestro in European short sea traffic since October 2020. Amadeus Schiffahrt provides the ship and is responsible for the entire operational handling of the ship's logistics as part of a service contract. Its extension until 2040 was announced at the transport logistic trade fair at the beginning of June.

HGK Shipping has been working for the chemicals group Covestro for over 80 years and, in addition to maritime transport, is also responsible for transport on inland waterways - including the pre-carriage from production sites in Germany to the relevant international seaports.

Continuing their collaboration for resource-conserving transport logistics in coastal waters until 2040. From left to right: Steffen Bauer, CEO of HGK Shipping, Nils Peterzelka, Sourcing Manager Regional Bulk Shipping in Logistics Procurement at Covestro, and Wolfgang Nowak, Managing Director of Amadeus Schiffahrts- und Speditions GmbH. © HGK Shipping