Elomatic, a Finland-based international consulting and engineering company, has signed an agreement with Northwestern European multimodal logistics provider CLdN to install its patented Elogrid tunnel thruster technology on two new ro-ro vessels that are currently under construction.
The Elogrid tunnel thruster grid is an energy saving device, designed to maximise side thrust for better manoeuvrability, while enhancing performance, efficiency, and sustainability. Designed for installation on both newbuild and retrofit projects, Elogrid supports a variety of vessel types, by helping to reduce additional resistance and lower fuel consumption, whilst minimising noise and vibrations throughout the vessel. This provides a smoother, more comfortable journey, extends the lifespan of onboard equipment, and reduces the environmental impact of maritime operations.
Developed between 2020 and 2021, Elogrid has evolved to achieve greater levels of performance, and has been found to reduce fuel consumption by 1%-2% per thruster tunnel, depending on speed, by reducing flow entry into the bow thruster tunnels at cruising speeds, as well as providing further reductions in associated vibrations. The installations in CLdN’s ro-ro vessels are scheduled for the first half of 2025, with Elomatic supervising the installation of the system to ensure quality and precision.
Jukka Suvanto, Elomatic Senior Sales Manager said: “Elogrid offers a significant advantage in meeting carbon reduction standards and enhancing fuel economy. These benefits align with Elomatic’s broader strategic goals, which include supporting the shipping industry’s transition toward greener operations.”
David Vermeulen, CTO CLdN said: “CLdN is committed to finding new ways to further enhance the performance of its fleet and reduce its environmental footprint. The Elogrid tunnel thruster grid is an innovative solution that fits well with CLdN’s efforts in remaining the ro-ro operator in Northwest Europe with the lowest CO2 footprint and we look forward to deploying our latest 8.000 lane metre G9e new-build ro-ro vessels with this technology.”
Image: Float out of CLdN’s ‘Chaumine’ which will enter service with Elogrids in 2025 (source: Elomatic)
