Tailwind Shipping Lines reduces fuel consumption and emissions with Hempaguard
Tailwind Shipping Lines was founded in July 2022 as a subsidiary of the Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG, based in the southwestern German city of Neckarsulm (Baden-Württemberg). The carrier regards itself as a complement to the services offered by the established large container lines. In addition to Lidl’s non-food goods, the Hamburg-based company’s ships also transport goods for third-party customers on what are now two liner services from China and Bangladesh to Europe and back – quickly and reliably. This is why Tailwind focuses on routes with few port calls.
By using smaller cargo ships that can transport up to 5,000 TEU, the carrier can call at less busy ports near major trading hubs, which facilitates short turnaround times without delays. For Tailwind customers, this means short transit times for their goods.
By using smaller cargo ships that can transport up to 5,000 TEU, the carrier can call at less busy ports near major trading hubs, which facilitates short turnaround times without delays. For Tailwind customers, this means short transit times for their goods.
The challenge
Tailwind is always looking to reduce emissions in its operations. This includes implementing the latest energy efficiency technologies on its vessels. In 2022, Tailwind purchased the carrier vessel MV PANDA 001, which was using a competitor hull coating. Tailwind asked if we could supply a solution that would reduce fuel consumption and emissions on the vessel.

The solution
We recommended a combination of our high-performance hull coating Hempaguard X8 and SHAPE (Systems for Hull and Propeller Efficiency).
Proven to improve energy efficiency, Hempaguard X8 is easy to implement and delivers a fast return on investment, making it one of the most appealing energy efficient technologies in the shipping industry. It is based on ActiGuard® technology and delivers an average fuel saving of up to 8 per cent over the entire docking interval compared to best-in-class antifoulings, as well as extremely low average speed loss down to 1.2 per cent. Importantly, it continues to perform across the entire service interval, whatever the vessel’s trading pattern and even if it experiences extended idle periods.
Proven to improve energy efficiency, Hempaguard X8 is easy to implement and delivers a fast return on investment, making it one of the most appealing energy efficient technologies in the shipping industry. It is based on ActiGuard® technology and delivers an average fuel saving of up to 8 per cent over the entire docking interval compared to best-in-class antifoulings, as well as extremely low average speed loss down to 1.2 per cent. Importantly, it continues to perform across the entire service interval, whatever the vessel’s trading pattern and even if it experiences extended idle periods.
To maximise performance even further, we used SHAPE to analyse the impact of dry docking, maintenance and in-service hull and propeller solutions on the vessel’s performance.
Hempaguard X8 was applied to MV PANDA 001 in March 2023. The result was a 20-25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, and a 12 per cent increase in the vessel’s EEXI reference speed. This high performance has been maintained during vessel operation.
Tailwind is extremely satisfied with its choice of Hempaguard X8. The decision has delivered a very short payback period, prompting the company to upgrade its incharter vessels to the same solution.
Hempaguard X8 was applied to MV PANDA 001 in March 2023. The result was a 20-25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, and a 12 per cent increase in the vessel’s EEXI reference speed. This high performance has been maintained during vessel operation.
Tailwind is extremely satisfied with its choice of Hempaguard X8. The decision has delivered a very short payback period, prompting the company to upgrade its incharter vessels to the same solution.
Tailwind Shipping Lines is committed to finding more efficient and sustainable ways to operate. Hempel’s Hempaguard system on MV PANDA 001 achieved a 25% reduction in fuel consumption, along with a 12% boost in EEXI reference speed. These results highlight the power of innovation and partnership in driving real progress.Gerrit Krause, Director Chartering, Operations & Insurance
At a glance
- Customer: Tailwind Shipping Lines, a carrier based in Hamburg, Germany, with up to 100 employees
- Vessel: MV PANDA 001 container ship
- Coating System: Hempaguard X8
- Application date: March 2023
- Shipyard: Huarun Dadong Dockyard, Shanghai

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