Terntank unveils another wind-assisted propulsion tanker project

Denmark-based Terntank has announced wind-assisted propulsion (WAP) technology has been added to its 11th hybrid-power chemical tanker on order. Five of its newbuild vessels will include WAP technology and already include diesel, biofuel, or methanol engines and a battery-powered hybrid solution.

The company believes these innovations will reduce emissions by up to 19%, a crucial step in meeting the company’s ambitious environmental goals.

Terntank chief executive Claes Möller emphasised the new vessels are expected to surpass regulatory requirements and play a crucial role in decreasing the carbon footprint associated with maritime operations. Central to these efforts is the eMETHANOLxWSolution project, an initiative designed to integrate e-methanol and suction wing sails technology.

The first vessel equipped with these technologies is scheduled for delivery in March 2025, with operational deployment beginning in January 2027. China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou) will build the vessels, with technology supplied by Kongsberg Maritime, among others.

This innovative approach is expected to avoid more than 44 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions annually.

Terntank credits its partnerships with NEOT/ST1, Neste, Esso/Exxon and Preem, companies which are focused on reducing the carbon footprint within their supply chains, for making these advancements possible.

Terntank has also made significant strides in shore power utilisation. Tern Fors and Tern Island have successfully connected to shore power at ports including Gothenburg and Gävle. This technology enables zero-emissions port operations, marking a significant milestone in sustainable shipping.

The chief engineer of Tern Fors, Robert Friborg, described the use of shore power as a significant breakthrough for the industry, showcasing the feasibility of achieving zero emissions during these operations.

The collaboration with technology supplier Kongsberg Maritime has been instrumental in these developments. Kongsberg Maritime’s technologies, including the Promas propulsion system and the hybrid solution, have been integrated into the new vessels.

Looking forward, Terntank remains focused on expanding its sustainable fleet and exploring new technologies with the aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.

This latest order brings the number of ships in this design series to 13, 11 for Terntank and two similar vessels without suction sails for Swedish operator Sirius Redri AB.

Mr Möller concluded, "We are not just building ships; we are building a sustainable future for the maritime industry."