‘Baltic Timber’ conversion

On 25 May, MV Baltic Timber, a Damen Combi Freighter (CF) 3850, arrived at Damen Shiprepair Harlingen (DSHl). Here, the vessel, recently delivered from Damen Shipyards Changde in China, underwent installation of two Econowind VentoFoils. MV Baltic Timber is the first of four CFs 3850 that Damen has delivered to Reederei Sibum, and the first of its kind to be installed with Econowind’s Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion (WASP) solution.

Efficiency in mind

The CF 3850 is designed with efficiency in mind. The vessel features a hydrodynamic hull, offering low levels of resistance in the water, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and emissions. It is also prepared to sail on 100% biofuel.

MV Baltic Timber goes a step further, incorporating a range of additional solutions for increased efficiency. These include a hybrid PTO/PTI system allowing zero emission electric operations for short period of time, and shore power connectivity.

Preferred partner for green upgrades

Now, with DSHl’s retrofitting of Econowind’s VentoFoils, the vessel is expected to consume up to 12% less fuel. Over the years, DSHl has built up an extensive track record in the installation of complex systems to operational vessels. This expertise enables the yard to position itself as the preferred supplier for green upgrades and sustainability refits.

The yard was able to undertake the installation quayside, without the need for docking. This enabled a smooth and efficient execution in line with the vessel’s operating schedule.

Local content

All of the project planning and execution was undertaken by DSHl’s in-house team. Zeewolde-based Econowind’s development and production of the VentoFoils in the Netherlands further enhanced the Dutch local content aspect of the project.

During the installation, DSHl worked in close collaboration with Econowind. The cooperation continues post-integration, as Damen and Econowind will monitor the performance of the VentoFoils with the aim of further optimisation.

Data-driven performance enhancement

For this, the partners will draw upon Damen Triton – Damen’s IoT system. Triton harvests and analyses data from sensors around the vessel. This will be used to monitor not only the performance of the VentoFoils in isolation, but also the impact they have on MV Baltic Timber’s hybrid configuration.

Oscar van Wees, sales manager at Damen Shiprepair said, “Newbuild vessels entering the market are certainly an opportunity to apply the latest developments in efficient technology. At the same time, however, there remain a considerable number of existing vessels that will be in operation for years to come. If we are to achieve our maritime sustainability ambitions, and if these vessels are to maintain their relevance, then retrofitting has a vital role to play. Our team at DSHl has already gained extensive experience in such projects and is, therefore, well positioned to provide this support to currently operational vessels.”