The Danish shipping company Baltic Shipping has added two more vessels to its fleet. The ‘Baltic Iron’ and ‘Baltic Timber’ are both fitted with sail technology and batteries.
Each of the coastal motor vessels has a deadweight tonnage of 3,550 tdw; they were built by the Dutch company Damen Shipyards. What makes these newbuilds special is their sustainable design: The “Baltic Iron” and “Baltic Timber” are each fitted with Ventofoils from Econowind, which are designed to reduce their fuel consumption by up to 12%. In addition, they feature large battery systems which, according to Baltic Shipping, make them “true hybrid vessels”.
With the entry into service of these two vessels, the company can now meet the needs of customers who prioritise the reduction of transport-related CO₂ emissions.
“We are very proud to welcome the ‘Baltic Iron’ and the ‘Baltic Timber’ to our fleet,” said Ronnie Hulstrøm, CEO of Baltic Shipping Company. “Having recently visited the ‘Baltic Iron’, I am deeply impressed by both the vessel itself and the technology installed on board. The combination of Ventofoils and a large battery system is an important step towards more energy-efficient shipping. It demonstrates what can already be achieved with the technologies available today.”
The Ventofoils use the wind to generate additional thrust. This reduces the power required by the main engine, which in turn lowers fuel consumption and the associated CO₂ emissions. In conjunction with the ships’ battery technology, the Baltic Shipping Company states that the system offers a viable way of increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions during day-to-day operations.
“Our customers are placing increasing importance on reducing the CO₂ emissions associated with their shipments,” added Hulstrøm. “With the ‘Baltic Iron’ and the ‘Baltic Timber’, we can offer them modern coastal shipping capacity that supports these objectives. This is a concrete step that benefits both our customers and our long-term commitment to more sustainable shipping operations.”
