Oldendorff Carriers Implements Energy Optimization Technology to Cut Emissions
Oldendorff Carriers, a prominent German dry bulk carrier owner and operator, is taking significant steps to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions across its fleet. The company has partnered with Swedish technology provider eMarine to deploy Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on its vessels. This initiative aims to optimize energy consumption and minimize environmental impact. Currently, VFDs have been installed on 13 of Oldendorff’s owned vessels, with plans to extend the technology to the rest of the fleet.
The implementation of VFDs allows onboard cooling pumps to operate at speeds that match actual demand, rather than running continuously at full power. This adjustment leads to reduced energy consumption by aligning power usage with ambient and operational conditions. As a result, Oldendorff has reported estimated CO2 savings exceeding 5,000 tons since the technology’s introduction. Additionally, the installations have contributed to lower fuel consumption and reduced operating costs, showcasing the potential for significant efficiency gains.
Strategic Decarbonization Efforts
The deployment of VFDs is part of Oldendorff’s broader decarbonization strategy. The company operates a fleet of approximately 100 modern bulk carriers, which are equipped with various fuel and energy-saving technologies. These include auxiliary engine economizers, energy-efficient LED lighting, optimized hull designs, and propulsion efficiency devices such as the Becker Mewis Duct and rudder bulb.
Niklas Richter, Head of Fleet Projects and Drydock Coordination at Oldendorff, emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to drive efficiency across the fleet. He stated, “The installation of Variable Frequency Drives is a strong example of how we leverage technology to drive efficiency gains across our fleet. By using smart systems that adapt energy consumption to real operating conditions and allow performance to be monitored from shore, we can reduce emissions while continuously improving operational efficiency.”
WinGD Surpasses 100 Orders for Variable Compression Ratio Technology in LNG Carrier Market
Ola Persson, CEO of eMarine, expressed pride in supporting Oldendorff’s efforts to enhance fleet-wide energy efficiency. He noted that the project demonstrates how proven onboard technologies, combined with structured energy optimization and continuous monitoring through the eMarine.cloud platform, can yield measurable and sustainable results. This collaboration aims to provide transparency and data-driven insights, enabling Oldendorff to continuously improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions across its fleet.
