Flex Tunnel News

The first ship outfitted with the Van der Velden FLEX Tunnel was named Friday, August 14th in Duisburg. The Rhenus Duisburg, the new barge combination from shipping company Rhenus PartnerShip, has been put through extensive tests and trials. Much data has been collected so as to establish the appropriate and ultimate efficiency of the Van der Velden FLEX Tunnel. The system developed by Van der Velden offers advantages for barges in terms of speed, capacity, propulsion, manoeuvrability and fuel economy. Van der Velden FLEX Tunnel is an innovative fold-tunnel system designed specifically for inland waterways. Fitted with conventional tunnels, loaded barges sail in deep water for an average of 80% of the time.

Damen Shipyards Group launched the first LNG-powered Damen EcoLiner inland shipping tanker at its Romanian yard in early February. The EcoLiner, developed to deliver fuel economy for inland shipping operators while at the same time cutting emissions, features a design that combines conventional, proven engineering with sustainable innovations, including the world’s first installations of the ACES Air-Lubricated Hull, a gas-electrical shaft propulsion system and one of the first Van der Velden FLEX Tunnel installations. According to Damen, the pioneering vessel reduces fuel costs by up to 25%.

After celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013, Van der Velden Marine Systems, a daughter company of the Damen Group, is not resting on its laurels as the Netherlands-based company’s R&D department works to continue advancing maritime maneuvering and propulsion efficiency. “We are currently building a 97m2 Energy Saving Package (ESPAC) system for a series of three 18,000 TEU vessels being built for CMA CGM at the CSSC-affiliated Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipyard in China,” said Edwin van Buren, Director R&D at Van der Velden Marine Systems.

Van der Velden Marine Systems BV, specialist in the field of manoeuvring and propulsion efficiency, will exhibit at the SMM 2014 International Trade Fair in Hamburg, which will be held from 9 until 12 September. Van der Velden can be found at stand Hall A4 – booth 208. The stand will display models of several rudders and shows on a touch screen a highly sophisticated digital 3D presentation of the latest innovative developments brought to the market. The latest innovative developments…

Van der Velden Maritime Systems will be showcasing a selection of their vessel propulsion products at upcoming 'Ahoy Rotterdam',  5-8, November 2013 at booth 1405 in Hall 1. The company has also been selected to participate in the Green Route. Van der Velden will present information, about its products including the Velden® FLEX tunnel manoeuvring and propulsion system, which is designed for inland and coastal ships, and offers tremendous advantages in the expansion of capacity, fuel consumption, speed and manoeuvrability.

The Inland WaterWays division of Van der Velden Marine Systems in the Netherlands has introduced an innovative new retractable tunnel specially developed for inland vessels. Using a unique construction, the Van der Velden® Flex Tunnel offers major benefits to ship owners and operators in terms of speed, loading capacity, manoeuvrability and reduced fuel consumption. Moreover, an overall propulsion efficiency of 10% can be achieved. Water levels are unpredictable and low water levels have serious consequences for inland vessels, as it limits loading capacity and operability.