Baltic Shipping Company has added two hybrid cargo vessels equipped with wind-assisted propulsion and battery technology to its European short-sea fleet.
The 3 550-deadweight-tonne Baltic Iron and Baltic Timber are each fitted with two Econowind VentoFoils, which are expected to reduce fuel consumption by up to 12%, according to the Danish shipping company.
The vessels also have large battery packs to support more energy-efficient operations and reduce carbon emissions.
The VentoFoils generate additional thrust from wind, reducing the power required from the vessels’ main engines and lowering fuel consumption.
Baltic Timber was the first of the two Damen-built vessels to enter service and has now been joined by its sister vessel, Baltic Iron. Both are in commercial operation under Baltic Shipping Company’s management.
Chief executive Ronnie Hulstrøm said the vessels would provide customers with more energy-efficient coaster capacity as demand for lower-emission freight transport increased.
“The combination of VentoFoils and a large battery pack represents an important step towards more energy-efficient shipping,” he said.
“It demonstrates what can already be achieved with technologies available today.”
Baltic Shipping Company has about 95 dry-cargo vessels under commercial management and charter.
