The Swedish tanker operator Donsötank has integrated WE Tech’s hybrid shaft generator solution onboard their fleet to enable optimised power distribution while reducing operational complexity for the crew. The installed system, including the shaft generator, propulsion drive, shore connection, DC-bus and battery package, plays a key role in supporting vessel operations, particularly during cargo handling and port activities where flexibility and reliability are essential. Since installation, the system has demonstrated strong performance, contributing to reliable day‑to‑day operations.
(Donsötank’s MV Prospero and MV Pacifico)
Operational Demands and Maintenance Realities
Operating in a dynamic charter‑driven environment, Donsötank vessels face constantly changing schedules, with port destinations often confirmed only 2 to 3 days in advance.
This operating environment requires dependable system performance and responsive service support, with planned maintenance following a structured lifecycle approach based on 5-year docking intervals until the vessel reaches 15 years of age and detailed preparation beginning approximately 6 months before docking.
Given limited time and operational constraints, Donsötank must carefully prioritise maintenance actions based on supplier recommendations, balancing cost, downtime, and operational needs. This creates a strong need for high system reliability to avoid unplanned downtime, practical and prioritised maintenance recommendations, responsive and knowledgeable service support.
Strong System Reliability and Partnership
WE Tech delivered a hybrid electrical system designed to support onboard power distribution, including critical functions such as ballast pumping during cargo operations. The availability and reliability of DC power are essential for ensuring smooth port operations and maintaining schedule flexibility. The system has proven to be reliable in daily operations, efficient in supporting key onboard processes, and easy for crew to operate and adapt to.
(WE Tech’s hybrid shaft generator solution optimised energy efficiency of Donsötank’s vessels.)
Donsötank highlights that the WE Tech system performs reliably under operational conditions. “The reliability has been very good,” says Mr. Mathias Hermansson Scheja, Technical Manager at Donsötank. “Initial technical challenges were successfully resolved, further enhancing system performance.”
WE Tech’s service approach has been recognised as a key strength, supported by consistent communication, practical support, and timely email responses, typically within 24 hours. “Given the realities of vessel operations, the crew values ability to perform onboard repairs improvisation and maintenance when needed. The support from WE Tech also enable practical, real-world solutions rather than overly complex interventions,” Scheja at Donsötank notes.
Donsötank has also identified areas for future improvement, reflecting a collaborative partnership approach, for example, coordination between yard, owner and WE Tech could be enhanced, component accessibility can be increased. These insights provide a valuable foundation for continuous product and service development.
Moving forward together
The collaboration between Donsötank and WE Tech began in 2019 with the order of WE Tech’s award-winning hybrid shaft generator system for MV Prospero and MV Pacifico. It continued in 2023 with an order for two additional Donsötank vessels, followed by a fifth vessel in 2024. The repeated orders demonstrate WE Tech Solutions’ proven reliability in daily operations, efficient support for key onboard processes, strong customer collaboration and service responsiveness.
“Our collaboration with Donsötank has been built on open dialogue, mutual trust, and a shared focus on improving vessels energy efficiency and operation reliability, as well as compliance with environmental regulations. Donsötank’s continued confidence in WE Tech reflects the strength of our technology, our service commitment, and the long-term value we aim to deliver to every customer,” says Martin Andtfolk, Sales Director at WE Tech Solutions.
Rederi AB Donsötank in brief
Donsötank is a family company registered in 1953, and since then the business has grown and more vessels has been acquired. The company owns and operates six tankers and has around 150 employees at sea, and 13 at the office. Donsötank has a long tradition of shipping from the beginning of the 19th century when the bunker operations started in Gothenburg. The experience through generations has made the company an innovative and reliable partner in shipping. Read more: www.donsotank.se
WE Tech Solutions in brief
WE Tech Solutions is a leading energy solution provider with a global presence in the shipping industry. The company specialises in supplying solutions based on variable frequency drives, permanent magnet generator technology, DC-bus power distribution and energy management systems. Our solutions, suitable for new buildings and for retrofits, bring numerous benefits to the shipping industry worldwide. Read more: www.wetech.fi
