The Wyker Dampfschiffs-Reederei Föhr-Amrum (W.D.R.) is expanding its business to include cargo shipping. With the new vessel “Insel Föhr”, the shipping company has added a short-sea freighter to its fleet for the first time. The vessel is to be chartered out for seven years.
The 89-metre-long newbuild was constructed at Dajin Heavy Industry in China and delivered to W.D.R. there. After arriving in Europe, the vessel will commence a seven-year time charter with Copenhagen-based Baltic Shipping Company. While on charter, it will operate under the name “Baltic Strength” and fly the Madeira flag.
The Hamburg-based firm Kontor 17 is responsible for the nautical and technical management. For W.D.R., whose core business has so far focused primarily on ferry services to the North Frisian Islands and Halligen, the vessel marks an entry into a new business sector.
“With the ‘Insel Föhr’, we are expanding our existing business to include a long-term investment in cargo shipping,” says W.D.R. managing director Axel Meynköhn. A key factor in this decision was “investing in a modern vessel with the lowest possible fuel consumption”.
The “Insel Föhr” is based on the Dutch “Eco Freighter” concept. The optimised ship design is intended to reduce fuel consumption compared with similar vessels, despite the use of a conventional propulsion system.
In addition, the freighter is to be fitted with wind-assisted propulsion. The installation of two so-called VentoFoils is planned for the coming months. The necessary foundations were already incorporated during construction. According to the manufacturer, the system can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent, depending on the sailing profile and wind conditions.
The “Baltic Strength” is to be deployed primarily in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Designed for tramp shipping, the vessel can transport, amongst other things, grain, fertiliser, lime, grit and timber.
W.D.R. operates, amongst other routes, the Dagebüll–Wyk–Wittdün and Schlüttsiel–Hooge–Langeneß ferry services. With this new freighter, the company is expanding its portfolio, which has hitherto focused primarily on island and ferry services.
