Enhancing operability, reducing emissions

To improve maneuverability and further alleviate environmental impact, it has been decided to undergo a major update of the current onboard installation. This will ultimately result in fuel savings, emission reductions, and enhanced maneuverability, thereby improving the vessels’ operability.

The decision was made to modify the current configuration by installing permanent magnet motors behind the main engines, replacing the current battery packs with higher-capacity ones, and installing an additional bow thruster on both sides of the ship. The entire system will be connected to two newly supplied Direct Current (DC) panels linked to the existing main switchboards.

The batteries will be charged during the crossings to Harlingen or Terschelling/Vlieland, enabling emission-free loading/unloading in the ports. The addition of an extra bow thruster will significantly enhance the vessels’ maneuverability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

Brand new DC Power Management System

For this installation, a completely new DC Power Management System has been designed by the collaboration of Piet Brouwer Elektrotechniek and Marble Automation. VCU/TCD will provide the aluminum work, VETH Propulsion the bow thrusters, MG Energy Systems the batteries, HR Piping the piping and fittings, and Marimecs will handle part of the engineering and drafting work.

The management of Werft Shipbuilding is delighted with this new assignment. The engineering and preparation, including the creation of an extensive test setup for the new system, will be conducted in Urk.

Schedule

Early next year, the Willem de Vlamingh will be the first to come ashore in Harlingen to complete the further installation and commissioning. If all goes according to plan, the Willem Barentsz will follow in early 2026.