CLdN to install Elomatic’s Elogrid tunnel thruster on RoRos

The installations are scheduled for the first and second quarters of this year, with Elomatic overseeing the process to ensure precision.

The Elogrid tunnel thruster grid is an energy-saving device designed to enhance side thrust, improving manoeuvrability while delivering significant gains in performance, efficiency, and sustainability. Suitable for both newbuilds and retrofits, the system reduces additional resistance, lowers fuel consumption, and minimises noise and vibrations throughout the vessel. These features not only enhance onboard comfort and extend equipment lifespan but also contribute to reducing the environmental impact of maritime operations.

Developed between 2020 and 2021, Elogrid has been refined to achieve even greater levels of efficiency. The technology can reduce fuel consumption by 1-2% per thruster tunnel, depending on vessel speed, by improving flow entry into the bow thruster tunnels at cruising speeds. The resulting reduction in associated vibrations further enhances operational performance and passenger comfort.

Jukka Suvanto, senior sales manager at Elomatic, emphasised the broader implications of the technology: “Elogrid offers a significant advantage in meeting carbon reduction standards and enhancing fuel economy. These benefits align with Elomatic’s strategic goals to support the shipping industry’s transition towards greener operations.”

David Vermeulen, chief technical officer at CLdN, underscored the importance of innovation in the company’s environmental strategy. “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 our efforts to remain the RoRo operator in Northwest Europe with the lowest CO2 footprint. We look forward to deploying our latest 8,000-lane-metre G9e newbuild RoRo vessels with this technology.”

Read an interview with Elomatic’s sales director Guido Schulte here where he explains how the company future proofs ships at the design phase.