Skip to main content
A part of
spar-es-1400x1100

Spar-Es

Written by Anja Thulstrup Nielsen on . Posted in References, Renovation.

In April 2025, Hvide Sande Shipyard received Spar-Es, one of DANPILOT’s trusted pilot vessels, for a comprehensive refit. The objective: to extend the vessel’s operational lifespan through targeted upgrades that enhance performance, durability, and crew comfort. Over the following months, Spar-Es underwent a thorough renovation process, executed with the technical precision and reliability that define our approach.

Specifications

Vessel typePilot boat
Vessel nameSpar-Es
DeliveryThird quarter 2025
DescriptionPilot boat stationed in Esbjerg
Hull materialSteel
Tonnage76 tones
Length over all22 m.
Breadth beam5,80 m.
Depth2,50 m.
Accomodation2 persons
Main engines2 x Mitsubishi / 700 Kw / IMO Tier II
PropulsionAlpha pitch propeller via gear
Spar-es---hjemmeside---600x730-02

Technical renewal for longevity

Extending the life of a vessel demands more than maintenance. It requires a strategic technical renewal. For Spar-Es, this included a full overhaul of the main engine and the integration of a new control frame for improved system management. These upgrades are critical to ensuring continued operational reliability in dynamic maritime conditions.

To enhance manageability, especially in port operations and low-speed environments, two new bow thrusters were installed. These additions significantly improve vessel handling, contributing to safer and more efficient piloting.

A new wheelhouse

As part of the upgrade, we constructed a new wheelhouse featuring a reinforced front structure and modern fittings. Sixteen windows were replaced and fitted with new windscreen wipers to improve visibility and resilience in adverse weather.

Externally, Spar-Es received a complete repaint in its red signature. The project concluded with a thorough five-year main inspection, carried out and approved to ensure full compliance.

Spar-es---hjemmeside---600x730-04

Delivered ahead of schedule

The refit of Spar-Es was completed in close collaboration with DANPILOT between April and July 2025, delivered within the agreed timeframe and to the highest standards.

“The work was carried out fantastically. A double bow thruster system from Sleipner was installed, along with new aluminium in the wheelhouse, new windows and doors, and updated wiper systems. The interior is now bright and modern. A major engine overhaul and SFS inspection were also completed. Once again, Hvide Sande Shipyard delivered high quality, ahead of schedule. We are absolutely satisfied with the result”

Brian Nielsen, Technical Superintendent, DANPILOT

About DANPILOT

With the renovation complete, Spar-Es is fully equipped to support complex pilotage tasks under challenging and changing conditions for many years to come. DANPILOT is Denmark’s national pilotage authority, relying on precision, safety and experience to guide ships through narrow waters and safely into port.

Gallery

Spar-es---hjemmeside---600x730

fulton-energy-1-1400x1100

Fulton Energi I

Written by Anja Thulstrup Nielsen on . Posted in References, Renovation.

Fulton Energi I has reviewed a comprehensive transformation at Hvide Sande Shipyard. From a traditional vessel to a fully modernized training ship. This complete refit has equipped the ship to serve as a functional maritime training platform. The refit provides opportunities for hands-on seamanship training and authentic sailing experiences.

Specifications

Vessel typeTraining vessel
Vessel nameFulton Energi I
DeliverySecond quarter 2025
DescriptionEducational vessel for young students
Hull materialSteel
Tonnage71,7 BT
Length over all19,28 m.
Breadth beam5,7 m.
Depth2,9 m.
Accomodation15 persons
Main engines1 pcs. John Deere 129 kW
ESU (Batteries)20 kWh Vitron L iFePO4 battery bank
Aux. Engine1 pcs Onan genset
Speed (knots)7-8 knots
PropulsionFP 19 Ø1900 + DMTP6500
ClassificationDanish Maritime Authority
fulton-energy-1-600x730-03

A modern platform for a training Ship

The Fulton Foundation acquired Fulton Energi I with a clear vision: to transform the vessel into an innovative platform for maritime training for youngsters. However, the original configuration did not meet the technical, regulatory, or functional demands of this purpose. In order to fulfill the role of a certified cargo ship, extensive improvements were required, especially to its accommodation areas, propulsion system, and energy performance.

Upgrades and functional improvements

In close collaboration with Jakob Jensen, the chief skipper of Fulton Energi I, our project team at Hvide Sande Shipyard took on the challenge of the thorough renovation of the vessel. The hull has been sandblasted and recoated to ensure structural integrity and extended service life. The wheelhouse was meticulously refurbished. The deckhouse was expanded to include two new cabins and a new restroom, improving onboard living conditions and instructional capabilities.

An important technical advancement was the installation of a 129 kW John Deere main engine and shaft arrangement, which was delivered by West Diesel. This upgrade was accompanied by a full modernization of the engine room and auxiliary systems, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.

To ensure the boost of energy efficiency and operational independence of Fulton Energi I, we added solar panels. These integrated upgrades enable the vessel to perform reliably in a demanding training context while aligning with the industry.

fulton-energy-1-600x730-01 - teaching ship

“It has been a pleasure to follow the transformation of Fulton Energi I. We have worked hard to create a ship that is not only technically updated but also provides the best possible framework for teaching and living aboard. It’s a comprehensive renovation where we have emphasized both functionality and comfort.”

Jakob Jensen, Director of Fulton Foundation

About the Fulton Foundation

The Fulton Foundation wants to give youngsters a meaningful experiences at sea through maritime training. The transformation of Fulton Energi I into a certified training ship significantly enhances the foundation’s ability to deliver practical, real-world instruction in a professional maritime setting.

Constructed from steel and measuring 19,28 meters in length with a beam of 5,7 meters and a draft of 2,9 meters, Fulton Energi I now meets the evolving demands of experiential learning in the maritime sector.

Gallery

fulton-energy-1-600x733
fulton-energy-1-600x730-05
fulton-energy-1-600x730-06
fulton-energy-1-600x733-03
fulton-energy-1-600x733-05

Fionia 1400x1100

Fionia

Written by admin on . Posted in References, Renovation.

At Hvide Sande Shipyard, we have had the pleasure of maintaining the two-masted schooner Fionia since 2005. Most recently, in 2025, we welcomed the old wooden ship once again, this time for a major refit to extend its service life.

Specifications

Vessel typeWooden sailling vessel
Vessel nameFionia
DeliveryFirst half 2025
DescriptionMotor sail boat
Hull materialWood
Length over all29 m.
Breadth beam6m.
Accomodation3 crew members
Main engines1 pcs. Scania DI09 070M, 184 kW
Aux. engine1 pcs. Cummins Onan 27kw 50Hz
Speed (knots)6-7 knots
PropulsionHundested propeller VP5
ClassificationDanish Maritime Authority

Renovation in fall and winter 2024/2025

After spending the summer in Middelfart, we welcomed Fionia back to Hvide Sande at the end of September 2024.

Since then, during the autumn and winter, she has been fitted with a new engine, gears and propeller, as well as a new bulwark, water-way and a new rail.

Fionia

A major renovation

During the renovation, Fionia was fitted with a new one-piece oak keel and the keel base was reinforced with a robust steel profile to secure the ship’s leeway. Additionally, three bulkheads, several frames, and the entire underwater hull were replaced.

A new teak deck was laid, and the galley was modernised with stainless steel panels, a new skylight, and new fixtures and fittings. A rear service corridor made of stainless steel has also been added. The cabins were fitted with new bunks and paneling, and the deck above the engine room and the captain’s cabin was refurbished with Oregon pine and oak paneling.

History of Fionia

Fionia is the Latin name for Funen, which the ship is now named. The old lady was built in 1904 and originally used as a cargo ship until 1960, before becoming a sea angling ship in Elsinore.

From 2004 Fionia worked as a daytrip vessel, until the distillery in Nyborg bought it in 2012. Since 2023, the USTC Group in Middelfart has been the proud owner of the ship.

Gallery

Nordwind

Written by admin on . Posted in References, Renovation.

LOA – 26,9 m

Beam – 6,5 m

Disp. – 110 t

Sail area – 165,8 m2

SSB Nordwind was laid down as an armed fishing vessel in 1945 and completed as a Bermuda rigged ketch by the British Occupying Forces in 1948. She served as a coastal patrol vessel, before being transferred to sail training activities for the West German Bundesmarine, a role she has fulfilled from 1956 to 2006. The Deutsches Marinemuseum in Wilhelmshaven acquired her in 2008, and since then she has provided daysails for up to 35 guests, as well as taking up to 10 guests on longer trips. She has also participated in various events such as Kieler Woche and Jade Cup.

Arriving at Hvide Sande Shipyard in late 2021, Nordwind has been the subject of considerable renovation. Her stem has been replaced and large amounts of her oak planking renewed as well as surface treatment of her steel frames, beam shelves deck beams and stringers. She has been fitted with a new watertight bulkhead, an electric bow thruster, hydraulic steering equipment and new generator unit. Furthermore, her weather deck (previously a patchwork of larch, oak, plywood, fiberglass and teak) has been replaced with one of traditionally laid pine. She has also been sheathed in copper plating below the waterline to minimize marine growth.