The Swedish shipping company Erik Thun wants to reduce emissions within its fleet. To achieve this, it is equipping its ships with software that leads to greater fuel efficiency.
The Erik Thun Group has opted for Dynamic Drive technology from Berg Propulsion. The aim is to optimize efficiency on board ten newbuilds. The Swedish ship owner confirmed its decision after pilot installations exceeded expectations for energy efficiency improvements. The integrated propulsion solution reportedly contributed to fuel savings of 10%, and even up to 20% under certain operating conditions[ds_preview].
Erik Thun has new buildings equipped
As part of Erik Thun’s ongoing fleet renewal strategy, the shipping company recently expanded its newbuilding program with the Dutch shipyard Shipsveerf Ferus Smit to include four “Troll-Max” dry cargo vessels with a deadweight tonnage of 5,100 dwt and six eco-tankers with a deadweight tonnage of 7,999 dwt for coastal voyages. Delivery of the tankers began at the start of this year, with the last of the ten ships due to enter service in 2026.
After testing Dynamic Drive on “Snow Crystal”, “Nordic Crystal” and “Baltic Crystal”, all ten vessels will be equipped with Berg’s complete main propulsion systems and energy-optimizing control technology.
“Data has shown that the Dynamic Drive functionality contributes to fuel savings of 10% on average, while this figure could rise to 20% under certain operating conditions,” said Ola Persson, Technical Project Manager, Erik Thun.
Software reduces fuel consumption
Dynamic Drive is an adaptive thrust and fuel optimization software offered together with the Berg Propulsion MPC 800 control system. The software automatically and dynamically determines the most energy-efficient propeller pitch/speed settings to generate the thrust to maintain the required speed.
Jorgen Karlsson, General Manager Europe & Americas, Berg Propulsion, said: “Dynamic Drive provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies an important part of operations and allows crew to more easily set limits to ensure consistent, fuel-efficient vessel operation in all modes.”
Thun carried out the first test on board the new bulk carrier “Snow Crystal” – a modern, energy-efficient ice class 1A vessel operating on Lake Vänern in Sweden. The success convinced the owner to use the solution for “Nordic Crystal” and “Baltic Crystal” as well, it is said.
“Decarbonization is a key factor for our operations, and maximizing efficiency is central to reducing carbon intensity, whether it’s the current fuels or the new generation of more expensive alternatives,” says Henrik Källsson, Deputy Managing Director of Erik Thun AB.
