The conversion was commissioned by Rederij Doeksen to Werft Shipbuilding in Urk and the job was carried out at the shipyard of Damen Shiprepair in Harlingen. This operation was a collaboration of a large number of technical specialists, including those from Piet Brouwer Elektrotechniek and VCU, both from Urk. “The nice thing about the project was that our own employees came up with the technical concept,” says senior fleet inspector Jitze Landman proudly.

• By placing permanent magnet generators on the crankshafts of the main engines, the residual capacity of these engines is converted into electricity. The energy produced by the main engines is used more efficiently in this way and the auxiliary engines need to run much less.
• This power is stored in a newly installed 900 kWh battery pack.
• This energy is then used to power the hotel operations (catering equipment, lighting, navigation equipment) and the ship's bow thrusters.
• Two additional bow thrusters have been installed, allowing the ship to manoeuvre even better in strong winds.
• Embarking and disembarking can now be done completely electrically (zero emissions) thanks to the larger battery packs.
• The battery packs are recharged at night with shore power, which ensures lower fuel consumption. If more shore power becomes available in the future, the ship will need less and less LNG.

Last Wednesday, the test run took place after intensive months at the shipyard. “An exciting moment,” Jitze admits. Under his leadership, the project was successfully completed. “Especially sailing with the new generators on the crankshafts of the main engines! A bit technical perhaps, but this had not been done anywhere in the world on a gas engine.” The tests went smoothly and to full satisfaction.

The WILLEM DE VLAMINGH has now completed her first service voyage, just in time for the Easter rush. Sister ship WILLEM BARENTSZ will undergo the same conversion in the first months of 2026.  

© Shippax