Damen equips CF 3850 with wind-assisted propulsion

Damen Shipyards Group has installed two Econowind VentoFoils on the recently delivered Combi Freighter (CF) 3850 MV Baltic Timber. The integration of the wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) solution took place at Damen Shiprepair Harlingen in the north of the Netherlands.

First of four

The vessel is the first of four CFs 3850 that Damen has delivered to Germany-based Reederei Sibum. Like Damen, with its ambition to be the most sustainable and connected maritime solution partner, Reederei Sibum is on a mission to advance maritime sustainability. Following their arrival in Europe from Damen’s yard in China, all four vessels will be fitted with VentoFoils.

The CF 3850 is by design a highly efficient vessel. It features an optimised hydrodynamic hull that reduces resistance in the water for lower fuel consumption and emissions. The vessel is also able to sail 100% on biofuel.

Sustainable short sea shipping

Shortly after placing its order with Damen for the CFs 3850, Reederei Sibum received NaMKü (Nachhaltige Modernisierung von Küstenschiffen/sustainable modernisation of coastal ships) funding. This funding, which requires co-funding by the vessel owner, is awarded by the German Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV). It aims to improve the efficiency and environmental footprint of short sea shipping.

As a result, Damen built the four vessels with additional options. These include a hybrid PTO/PTI system. With this, the vessels are able to sail fully electrically, with zero emissions, for short periods of time, for example when in port. The vessels also feature shore power connectivity allowing the hotel load to be powered by electricity.

Final piece in the puzzle

The VentoFoils, then, represent the final piece in a multi-faceted hybrid configuration integrating multiple efficiency-enhancing solutions in a single platform. The non-rotating suction wings are designed and produced in the Netherlands and are anticipated to further reduce MV Baltic Timber’s fuel consumption.

Damen’s CF 3850 design takes the possible installation of WASP technology into account, leaving space for the retrofit of VentoFoils. The vessel is also compatible with Damen’s award-winning IoT solution, Triton.

Performance optimisation – in real time

Triton enables data-driven performance optimisation in real-time. It gathers and analyses data from thousands of sensors around the vessel. Armed with this information, operators are able to adjust sailing behaviour for increased efficiency.

Triton also provides a means for vessel owners to measure and demonstrate their fuel consumption performance. This is a particularly valuable feature for reporting – whether for compliance, CSR or financing purposes.

Continued collaboration

Going forward, Damen will work together with Econowind to monitor the impact of the VentoFoils. Their findings will be applied to the further evolution of the design for future generations of vessels.

Maritime integration

Remko Bouma, Commercial Director at Damen, said, “This project demonstrates Damen’s capabilities as a system integrator. It shows how we are willing to collaborate with like-minded partners such as Econowind, bringing multiple solutions together in a single vessel for an impact greater than the sum of its parts.

“The MV Baltic Timber is also a prime example of Damen’s comprehensive portfolio of maritime solutions. We have not only designed and built the vessel, but also undertaken its further enhancement. Our support does not end here. We look forward to supporting both the vessel and Reederei Sibum, in the years ahead.”