This summer De Bock Maritiem celebrated it's 25th anniversary and the christening of Dutch registered MV Saffier and MV Sardius at Hollands Shipyards Group in Werkendam.
Both vessels are a specific ship type crawler line coaster. This name comes from the fact that the mast can be flattened and the ship's bridge can be lowered as a whole, allowing them to pass under low bridges.
Both ships have an 'open-top' notation, which means that the ships, at a reduced draft, may sail with open hatches in order to be able to transport cargo that is higher than the depth of the cargo hold.
Saffier and Sardius are ships of the new generation in the field of sustainability. CO2 emissions have been halved compared to the average shortsea ship in service in 2023.
The ships are propelled by diesel-electricity, which has enormously increased operational reliability. Due to the modular design, the ships can easily be converted to a different energy source at a later stage.
The first ship, Saffier, will also be equipped with a wind-assist system for even further CO2 reduction: Ventofoils.
Source: De Bock Maritiem