Oldendorff Carriers, a Germany-based dry bulk shipowner and operator, has partnered with eMarine, a Sweden-based maritime energy optimisation technology provider, to improve fleet-wide energy efficiency using variable frequency drive (VFD) technology.
VFDs have already been installed on 13 owned vessels, with the remainder of the fleet to follow.
The systems allow onboard cooling pumps to operate at speeds aligned with actual demand rather than running continuously at full power, reducing excess energy use under normal operating conditions.
Since the rollout began, Oldendorff has achieved estimated CO₂ savings of more than 5,000 tonnes, equivalent to removing around 1,050 petrol-powered passenger vehicles from the road for one year. The installations have also reduced fuel consumption and operating costs.
“The installation of Variable Frequency Drives is a strong example of how we leverage technology to drive efficiency gains across our fleet. By using smart systems that adapt energy consumption to real operating conditions and allow performance to be monitored from shore, we can reduce emissions while continuously improving operational efficiency,” said Niklas Richter, Head of Fleet Projects and Drydock Coordination.
Oldendorff selected eMarine following a review of several technology providers.
“We are proud to support Oldendorff in their ongoing efforts to improve fleet-wide energy efficiency…,” said Ola Persson, CEO of eMarine.
