Erik Thun welcomes first hybrid Lake Vanern Max vessel

Swedish shipping company Erik Thun has taken delivery of the first plug-in hybrid dry cargo vessel in the next-generation Lake Vanern Max series from Ferus Smit shipyard in the Netherlands.

Erik Thun revealed the delivery of the vessel named Lidan October 2, 2024, adding the vessel had sailed from from Eemshaven to Wilhelmshaven for its first loading.

The 89-meter-long ship was specially designed for trading through the Trollhattan canal and locks, which connect the Swedish interior lakes with the North Sea near Goteborg.

According to the shipowner, Lidan, and the remaining five vessels in the Lake Vanern Max series, will run on a hybrid propulsion system, using both battery power and traditional fuel to optimize energy use and reduce emissions.

With a large diameter propeller operating within a nozzle, the propulsion system delivers increased thrust at lower speeds, reducing power demand during challenging seaways and icebreaking operations. This design allows the operators to reduce the installed main engine power by 18% without compromising performance, resulting in decrease in fuel usage and carbon emissions, Erik Thun said.

What is more, the vessels come with a shore connection capability for silent and emission-free operations while docked, improving air quality and reducing noise pollution.

“We are making a substantial investment to support our customers’ transportation needs and thereby strengthening our position even further on the short-sea market and on the Lake Vänern traffic,” Senior Charterer Jens Bäckström, commented on the delivery.