Baltic Shipping Adds Two Wind-Assisted Hybrid Coasters to European Fleet

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Baltic Shipping Company A/S has added two 3,550-deadweight-tonne hybrid coasters to its fleet, expanding its capacity for customers seeking to reduce emissions from European shortsea transport.

The Damen-built M/V Baltic Iron and M/V Baltic Timber are equipped with wind-assisted propulsion and large battery packs. Both vessels have entered commercial operation under the Danish shipping company’s management.

Each vessel carries two Econowind VentoFoils, which use wind to generate additional thrust. The technology reduces the power required from the main engine and is expected to lower fuel consumption by up to 12%.

The battery systems complement the wind propulsion equipment, allowing the vessels to operate as hybrids. Baltic Shipping said the combination provides a practical way to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions during daily operations.

M/V Baltic Timber was the first of the two sister vessels to enter service, followed by M/V Baltic Iron.

“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.”

Hulstrøm said the vessels demonstrate how commercially available technologies can already support emissions reductions in shortsea shipping.

The investment gives Baltic Shipping additional capacity for cargo owners focused on lowering supply-chain emissions. Demand for more efficient vessels is increasing as customers examine the carbon footprint associated with moving cargo by sea.

“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.”

The two coasters will serve the European shortsea market, where smaller vessels play a central role in moving bulk, breakbulk and general cargo between regional ports.

Baltic Shipping Company said the additions support its longer-term effort to improve fleet efficiency while providing customers with lower-emission maritime transport options.