Baltic Iron is a good example of the ships that keep Europe running. As one of around 100 coasters operated by Baltic Shipping Company, it sails where the big ocean-going vessels can’t: into the smaller ports, close to where building materials, grain, biomass and other bulk cargo are actually used.
On board, two technologies work together to cut fuel use. A hybrid battery system, around four times the standard size, lets the ship run on battery power in port instead of idling a diesel engine, and evens out the load at sea so the engine can run at its most economical level. The battery charges from shore power or from the ship’s own generators while sailing.
On deck, VentiFoils (essentially aircraft wings standing upright) use built-in fans to generate far more force than a conventional sail of the same size. The wind pulls part of the load, so we can reduce engine power and keep the same speed.
Baltic Iron is part of the newbuilding strategy we launched in 2021, with more modern vessels arriving through 2028. With an average fleet age of around 27 years in our segment, renewal is needed, and we intend to do it one greener ship at a time.