Baltic Shipping Company has added two new 3,550 DWT vessels equipped with wind-assisted propulsion and battery technology.
M/V Baltic Iron and M/V Baltic Timber are now in commercial operation under the company’s management.
Both vessels feature two Econowind VentoFoils, which are expected to reduce fuel consumption by up to 12%.
VentoFoils target lower fuel consumption
The VentoFoils use wind to provide additional thrust to the vessels.
As a result, less power is required from the main engine. This can reduce both fuel consumption and associated CO₂ emissions.
The vessels are also fitted with large battery packs, making them hybrid ships.
M/V Baltic Timber was the first of the two vessels to enter service. Sister vessel M/V Baltic Iron has now joined it.
“We are very proud to welcome Baltic Iron and Baltic Timber to our fleet,” said Ronnie Hulstrøm, CEO of Baltic Shipping Company.
“The combination of VentoFoils and a large battery pack represents an important step towards more energy-efficient shipping,” he added.
New vessels target European shortsea market
Baltic Shipping Company said the vessels will help customers reduce emissions linked to their transport operations.
The company can now offer more energy-efficient coaster capacity as demand for lower-emission shipping increases.
“Our customers are increasingly focused on reducing the CO₂ emissions associated with their transport,” said Hulstrøm.
“With Baltic Iron and Baltic Timber, we can offer them modern coaster capacity that supports these ambitions,” he added.
Both vessels were built by Damen and will operate in the European shortsea market.
