Erik Thun Group – On October 25th, a significant advancement in maritime technology was celebrated with the launch of the ‘Spiken,’ the second plug-in hybrid dry cargo vessel in the next-generation Lake Vanern Max series. The ceremony took place at Scheepswerf Ferus Smit BV in Westerbroek, Netherlands, with Godmother Susana Paulo officiating the naming alongside key representatives from MF Shipping Group, Erik Thun Group, and the shipyard.
The Lake Vanern Max series exemplifies a strong commitment to innovation and excellence in the shipping industry. ‘Spiken’ is not merely an addition to the fleet; it represents a pivotal step forward, focusing on fuel efficiency, electrical innovation, and maximizing cargo capacity—key priorities for today’s shipping clients.
Technological Innovations
The vessel’s design integrates several advanced technologies aimed at optimizing fuel use and minimizing emissions. It features a large-diameter propeller operating within a nozzle, which significantly enhances thrust at lower speeds. This innovative design reduces the strain on the main engine, leading to improved energy efficiency.
Moreover, the hybrid system includes a battery pack that decreases reliance on auxiliary engines. Utilizing peak shaving and power smoothing techniques, ‘Spiken’ effectively minimizes fuel consumption, especially during challenging seaways and icebreaking operations. This approach not only lowers emissions but also promotes long-term cost savings for operators.
Environmental Commitment
In line with modern sustainability goals, the Lake Vanern Max is equipped with advanced electrical systems, including the ability to connect to shore power. This capability allows the vessel to operate cleanly and silently while docked, shutting down all engines and significantly reducing both emissions and noise—an essential benefit for port communities and surrounding ecosystems.
The vessel’s hybrid architecture ensures a steady distribution of electrical power, resulting in smoother and more reliable operations while decreasing the runtime of auxiliary engines. The utilization of green electricity further contributes to the reduction of CO₂ emissions, reinforcing the commitment to environmentally responsible shipping practices.
Enhanced Cargo Capacity
In addition to its environmental innovations, the Lake Vanern Max series is designed with a focus on maximizing cargo capacity. This enables operators to transport more goods within the constrained waterways of Lake Vanern. The vessel’s optimized bow design facilitates carrying significantly more cargo while simultaneously lowering energy consumption.
Commitment to Sustainability
At Erik Thun Group, the launch of ‘Spiken’ underscores a profound understanding of the maritime industry’s critical role in global trade and environmental stewardship. The commitment to sustainability is unwavering, and the Lake Vanern Max series represents the company’s dedication to being a responsible Swedish partner for generations to come.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the introduction of vessels like ‘Spiken’ sets a new standard in blending technological innovation with sustainability, paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient future in shipping.
About Erik Thun Group
Founded in 1938 in Lidköping, Sweden, Erik Thun Group is a family-owned company now managed by the third generation of the Källsson family. Specializing in short-sea shipping in Northern Europe, the group operates a fleet of approximately 50 vessels across various segments, including:
- Dry cargo vessels
- Self-unloading vessels
- Coastal and intermediate-size product tankers
- Cement carriers
The dry cargo and self-unloading vessels are commercially operated from Erik Thun’s head office in Lidköping, while tankers are operated by Thun Tankers in Gothenburg. Cement vessels are managed by JTC in Norway. Additionally, a third of Erik Thun’s vessels are technically managed from Lidköping, with the remainder managed through a partnership with MF Shipping Group in the Netherlands.
Beyond shipping, the Erik Thun Group also owns OP Ship AB, a shipbroker and port agency, and engages in aircraft sales, leasing, and maintenance through its subsidiary, TAM. With a focus on long-term partnerships, responsibility, and innovation, the Erik Thun Group remains a sustainable Swedish partner across generations, continually advancing its capabilities to support the evolving needs of the maritime industry.
Source Erik Thun Group