Baltic Timber joins fleet with wind-assisted and hybrid propulsion

Baltic Timber, a new 3,550 DWT / 185,000 cbft coaster vessel, has commenced its maiden voyage under the operator’s flag after loading cargo in Immingham on 10 July.

The vessel has been delivered with a focus on reducing fuel consumption and emissions. It is equipped with two Econowind VentoFoils, a wind-assisted propulsion system that is expected to reduce fuel consumption by up to 12%.

The vessel also features a battery package, making Baltic Timber a hybrid vessel and adding another energy-efficiency measure to its propulsion system.

Wind-assisted propulsion is increasingly being considered by vessel operators as a way to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, particularly as regulatory and commercial pressure to improve the environmental performance of shipping increases.

The addition of Baltic Timber expands the operator’s fleet with a vessel combining wind-assisted propulsion and battery technology, while cargo proposals are being invited for the vessel and the wider fleet.