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~S~D~ Images of the Month for September 2026 ~ 1of2 ~ Rijnvliet ~ transiting Poole Harbour - August'26
When the general cargo ship Rijnvliet made a brief call at Poole in August, she “turned a few heads”. Fortunately, ~Ships~Dorset~ contributor Don Williams was on hand to capture these two super images of Rijnvliet, equipped with Ecowind Ventofoils, as she sailed through Poole Harbour.
The ship is operated by Hartel Shipping, Rhoon, Netherlands and built primarily for European regional trading. However, in her first year of operation project cargoes has already taken her to Australasia and North America. Rijnvliet was built through a cooperative effort with its hull constructed in Yizheng, China by Yizheng Yangzi Shipbuilding, and final outfitting and completion performed by Holland Shipyards Group in Werkendam, Netherlands.
~S~D~ Images of the Month for September 2026 ~ 2of2 ~ Rijnvliet ~ transiting Poole Harbour - August'26
Shipowners like Rijnvliet’s Hartel Shipping, are grappling with increased fuel costs and demands for further reduction in CO2 emissions … VentoFoil units use the wind as propulsion power allowing ships to reduce fuel consumption up to 20%. VentoFoils suction wings harness wind power differently from conventional rigid windsails. Using ventilated wingsail technology, the VentoFoils employ an ingenious aerodynamic process. In a similar way that aircraft wings generate pressure differential to produces lift - these vertical wingsails create forward momentum.
Key Dimensions of Rijnvliet … Gross Tonnage = 2,783 … Length = 89m … Beam = 13m … Draft = 5m … Service speed = 10 knots … Powered by a diesel-electric system augmented Econowind retractable Ventofoil sails … A single hold of 60.9m x10.8m x8.5m provides 5,570 cu.m grain capacity with a max hatch opening 47m in length … in service since 2025 …
To view previous "Images of the Month" click our Image Archive link ...
