Elomatic, a consulting and engineering company, has installed its Elogrid tunnel thruster technology on the 10,000gt METEOR IV research vessel.

The vessel is being constructed as part of a joint venture between MEYER FASSMER Spezialschiffbau and Meyer Group for the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

Spanning 125m, the special-purpose research vessel is intended to facilitate the BMBF's global, multidisciplinary initiatives, concentrating primarily on studies of climate and the environment in the Atlantic region.

MEYER FASSMER Spezialschiffbau opted for the Elogrid solution to bolster the ship's dynamic positioning (DP) performance in line with their operational requirements and simultaneously decrease fuel usage.

FASSMER managing director Jan Oskar Henkel said: “Our collaboration with Elomatic allows us to meet the specific performance requirements for the METEOR IV’s dynamic positioning capability. The Elogrid technology enhances the vessel’s performance while contributing to efficient operations.”

The contract represents a milestone in the adoption of Elomatic’s Elogrid tunnel thruster solution, which continues to be chosen for innovative newbuild projects.

Previously installed applications were part of retrofit projects on existing vessels, delivering benefits in terms of reduced fuel consumption and increased thrust.

Elomatic Shipowner Services vice president Jari Yli-Tolppa said: “Our collaboration with MEYER FASSMER Spezialschiffbau marks a significant step forward in the development of the Elogrid solution.

“The METEOR IV project is a prime example of how the Elogrid solution can be incorporated into the initial design phase of a vessel, establishing a blueprint for future new build projects, to support ship owners that are looking to improve their vessel’s performance, increase efficiencies, as well as reduce their carbon footprint.”