The Erik Thun Group proudly announces the delivery of its new multipurpose, plug-in hybrid dry cargo vessel, MV Lidan, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of sustainable maritime shipping. As the first vessel in the next-generation Lake Vänern Max-series, Lidan is a demonstration of the group’s commitment to innovative, environmentally friendly shipping solutions.
The vessel embarked on its maiden voyage from Eemshaven to Wilhelmshaven for its first loading, ushering in a new era of advanced hybrid propulsion in the shipping industry.
Cutting-Edge Hybrid Propulsion Technology
The MV Lidan is equipped with a state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion system that integrates both battery power and traditional fuel, allowing for optimized energy use and significantly reduced emissions. This technology not only reduces the vessel’s environmental footprint but also enhances its operational efficiency. The vessel’s battery pack enables peak shaving and power smoothing, contributing to smoother operations and more stable energy consumption.
With shore connection capabilities, Lidan can operate silently and emission-free while docked. This feature improves air quality in ports and reduces noise pollution for both crew members and surrounding areas. This capability represents a leap forward in port operations, ensuring a greener and quieter environment.
Superior Propulsion Design for Optimal Performance
Lidan’s propulsion system is designed for superior performance in challenging conditions, including icebreaking operations. Its large-diameter propeller, housed within a nozzle, delivers increased thrust at lower speeds. This design reduces the vessel’s power demand during difficult seaways, allowing for a more efficient and sustainable journey.
One of the vessel’s most notable advancements is its ability to reduce the installed main engine power by 18%, without compromising performance. This reduction leads to significant savings in fuel consumption and a corresponding decrease in carbon emissions, underscoring the vessel’s role in supporting greener maritime operations.
Strengthening Short-Sea Market Position
Jens Bäckström, Senior Charterer at Erik Thun Group, highlighted the importance of the investment in Lidan, stating: “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.”
This new addition to the fleet is expected to enhance the group’s ability to meet customer demands while contributing to the reduction of environmental impact in the maritime sector.
Commitment to Sustainable Shipping
The MV Lidan is a testament to the Erik Thun Group’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, reliability, and innovation in the shipping industry. As a family-owned company with deep roots in Sweden, Erik Thun continues to prioritize the development of solutions that benefit both its clients and the environment.
The introduction of this next-generation vessel reflects the group’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges of climate change while ensuring efficient and reliable transportation services.
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