Erik Thun Group, a shipping company based in Sweden, has allocated $3.34 million for the implementation of battery packs on nine vessels within their dry cargo fleet, as reported by Offshore Energy.
Installing battery packs
The ship owner plans to minimize engine use and reduce emissions and noise pollution in ports by installing battery packs and improving shore power connections on their vessels. The battery packs will serve as backup systems in case of a blackout, enhancing safety. To achieve these goals, the company has secured funding from the Climate Leap initiative, part of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s local investments program. The initiative will reimburse up to 40% of the investment, not exceeding SEK 14.4 million (1.3 million). A condition for reimbursement is the completion of the shore power project on all nine vessels by June 30, 2024.
Sustainable fleet renewal strategy
Erik Thun, a shipping company, recognizes the limitations of full electrification and the lack of widespread availability of E-fuels. Instead, they have focused on reducing power demand on vessels and investing in peak shaving, batteries, fuel meters, and optimization software. Between 2018 and 2022, they acquired 16 new vessels, and now they have allocated around SEK 2.5 billion to further renew their fleet. The plan includes constructing 12 new vessels, to be delivered from 2023 to 2027, consisting of five dry cargo vessels and seven product tankers. For the upcoming R-class tankers, Erik Thun has partnered with Wärtsilä to install engines capable of utilizing various future and alternative fuels like methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen. The European Union’s Climate Law aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. As part of this effort, the EU is prioritizing the greening of the shipping industry and the development of sustainable port services and infrastructure for alternative fuels.
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Source: Offshore Energy
