Nordic shipping giant Tallink Grupp recently analyzed the initial results of the latest technical upgrade to its Tallinn-Stockholm route vessel, Baltic Queen. The upgrade has resulted in a significant 13% increase in energy efficiency, meaning the amount of fuel needed to travel one nautical mile has reduced by 13%, along with a corresponding reduction in emissions over the past nine months. The technical upgrade, performed during the ship’s regular docking in Naantali, Finland last September, involved replacing the vessel’s propeller blades with new, innovative ones designed and manufactured by Kongsberg Maritime Sweden AB, a subsidiary of global maritime technology experts Kongsberg Maritime. These blades were specifically designed for this type of ship, considering the speed ranges required for its operation, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the ship’s propulsion system according to its operational needs. Additionally, underwater analyses conducted in autumn 2023 showed a reduction in underwater noise generated by the ship. The results of this upgrade, combined with other technical and operational measures to reduce Baltic Queen’s environmental impact, have elevated the ship’s Environmental Ship Index (ESI) to a level comparable with the company’s newest and most environmentally friendly dual-fuel shuttle vessels, Megastar and MyStar. With Baltic Queen’s ESI now exceeding 94 points out of a maximum of 100, this achievement has also led to considerable financial savings for Tallink Grupp. The Port of Tallinn offers a 14% discount to vessels with ESI points exceeding 80 and an 8% tonnage charge discount to those exceeding 65 points. All Tallink Grupp vessels visiting the Port of Tallinn have ESI indices well over 65 points, thus qualifying for the environmental discount. Commenting on Tallink Grupp’s latest environmental success, the company’s Chief Captain and Head of Ship Management, Captain Tarvi-Carlos Tuulik, said: “We carried out an extensive analysis before the new blades pilot project in close partnership with the blade manufacturers and our main engine manufacturers. Our crew had lots of questions ahead of the upgrade about the ship’s performance and manoeuvring capabilities once the blades were replaced as we had no experience with this kind of technical solution before. However, the support and cooperation with the technology manufacturers was superb, we were able to discuss and consider every possible risk, fine-tune the solution after installation based on our captain’s and crew’s feedback and suggestions, and the result speaks for itself – it definitely exceeds our expectations. „This project really is a win-win-win for us as it has enabled us to increase efficiencies, reduce fuel consumption, reduce emissions, reduce underwater noise and vessel vibration levels, significantly increase the overall comfort levels for passengers travelling in the stern cabins, and, last but not least, achieve considerable cost savings for the company. It has been good for the environment, our customers, and our bottom line. All we need to do now is identify more projects like this.“ Tallink Grupp is now assessing the benefits of similar upgrades to the company’s other vessels and, where possible and beneficial, similar solutions will be considered for other company vessels. At the same time, Tallink Grupp will also continue its search for other new and innovative solutions that will enable it to continuously make its operations more sustainable.
