Baltic Shipping Company A/S has strengthened its fleet with the addition of two next-generation coaster vessels, M/V Baltic Iron and M/V Baltic Timber, equipped with wind-assisted propulsion and battery technology to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions.
The two Damen-built vessels, each with a capacity of 3,550 DWT, are fitted with two Econowind VentoFoils, which use wind power to generate additional thrust. The technology is expected to reduce fuel consumption by up to 12%, depending on operating conditions.
Both vessels are also equipped with large battery packs, making them genuine hybrid vessels. M/V Baltic Timber entered service first, followed by its sister vessel M/V Baltic Iron. Both vessels are now in commercial operation under Baltic Shipping Company’s management.
The addition of the two vessels enables the company to offer customers more energy-efficient coaster capacity for the European shortsea market, particularly as shippers increasingly seek to reduce transport-related CO₂ emissions.
“We are very proud to welcome Baltic Iron and Baltic Timber to our fleet,” said Ronnie Hulstrøm, CEO of Baltic Shipping Company A/S. “Having recently visited Baltic Iron, I am deeply impressed by both the vessel and the technology installed on board. The combination of VentoFoils and a large battery pack represents an important step towards more energy-efficient shipping.”
The VentoFoil system harnesses wind energy to provide additional propulsion, reducing the power required from the main engine. This helps lower fuel consumption and associated emissions. When combined with the vessels’ battery systems, the technology provides a practical approach to improving energy efficiency during daily operations.
“Our customers are increasingly focused on reducing the CO₂ emissions associated with their transport,” Hulstrøm said. “With Baltic Iron and Baltic Timber, we can offer them modern coaster capacity that supports these ambitions.”
With both vessels now in service, Baltic Shipping Company has expanded its fleet with two modern, energy-efficient hybrid coasters, reinforcing its position in the European shortsea market while supporting customers’ efforts to reduce the environmental impact of maritime transport.