German dry bulk carrier firm adopts fleet-wide energy optimization technology

January 23, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

German dry bulk carrier owner and operator Oldendorff Carriers is deploying energy optimization technology from a Swedish company to reduce energy consumption and emissions across its fleet.

As part of the partnership with Swedish technology provider eMarine, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) have already been installed on Oldendorff Carriers’ 13 owned vessels, with the remaining fleet to follow.

According to the German firm, VFDs allow onboard cooling pumps to operate at speeds aligned with actual demand, rather than running continuously at full power, and by adjusting power consumption to ambient and operational conditions, the technology reduces excess energy consumption and delivers measurable efficiency gains under normal operating conditions.

Since the introduction of the technology, Oldendorff said it had already achieved estimated CO2 savings of over 5,000 tons. In parallel, the installations have delivered notable reductions in fuel consumption and operating costs.

“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,” said Niklas Richter, Head of Fleet Projects and Drydock Coordination.

The move is said to form part of Oldendorff’s broader decarbonization strategy. The company’s owned fleet of around 100 modern bulk carriers is equipped with a range of fuel and energy saving technologies, including auxiliary engine economisers, energy efficient LED lighting, optimized hull designs, and propulsion efficiency devices such as the Becker Mewis Duct and rudder bulb.

“We are proud to support Oldendorff in their ongoing efforts to improve fleet-wide energy efficiency. This project demonstrates how proven onboard technologies, combined with structured energy optimisation and continuous follow-up through our eMarine.cloud platform, can deliver measurable and sustainable results at scale. By providing transparency, data-driven insight and long-term support, we support Oldendorff in continuously improving operational efficiency and reducing emissions across the fleet,” said Ola Persson, CEO of eMarine.