Erik Thun to install battery packs on nine dry bulk carriers

Swedish shipping company Erik Thun is investing SEK 36 million (around $3.3 million) to install battery packs on nine of its dry bulk carriers.

PHOTO: Erik Thun’s cargo ship MV Eken in the port of Lidkoping, Sweden. Erik Thun

The company intends to reduce the use of engines in vessels while they are berthed in ports. Installation of battery packs will also make shore power connection smoother and provide backup power in case of a blackout.

“This will be beneficial not only for the reduction of emissions but also for reducing noise and for the overall safety,” Erik Thun says.

The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency will reimburse “up to 40% of the investment, but no more than SEK 14.4 million (around $1.2 million)” through its Climate Leap initiative, which aims to cut emissions that affect the climate.

One of the conditions to receive reimbursement from the initiative "is that the project to secure the shore power connection when in port, has to be finalised by June 30, 2024, on all of the nine vessels," Erik Thun explains.

The company has secured funding for this project.

By Tuhin Roy

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