Using new technology to further efficiency
PILLAR 2
Technology
We are using the latest technology to further optimise efficiency moving forward.
We are leveraging the latest advances in maritime technology to achieve further efficiencies in our fleet.
High-Tech Retrofits
As emissions reduction technology advances, and new solutions come on the market, Berge Bulk is constantly trialling and evaluating a growing list of innovative fuel-saving solutions that can be retrofitted onto our vessels. In many cases, we’re collaborating with our charterers on these pilot projects in order to forge stronger relationships, and drive progress in the shipping industry.
We partner with the research department of each respective technology supplier to conduct real-time, AI-enabled analyses of vessel performance to measure the effective fuel savings of these emerging technologies accurately.
Rigid Wing Sails
Rigid wing sails are a game-changing new technology made possible by new composite materials — creating a lightweight structure with great durability. The rigidity of the sails, and the ability to stay in shape at high speeds, are the main reasons for efficient fuel savings.
We are now conducting a commercial and technical evaluation, and plan to launch our first pilot in Q3 of 2023. This pilot will feature an installation of four wing sets onboard one of our Newcastlemax vessels, Berge Olympus. Together with our partners from BAR Technologies, Yara Marine, DNV, and the Isle of Man Flag Registry, we will evaluate fuel savings, ease of handling, port obstruction, and durability during the pilot. This project has also been supported by our charterer, VALE, who will take the vessel once wing sails are installed.
If the pilot is successful, we will consider installation on other vessel types.
Flettner Rotors
Advances in Flettner Rotor automation systems have made the technology more practical for shipboard applications. Berge Bulk is partnering with Anemoi Marine Technologies, and actively working with some of our key customers — to evaluate benefits, opportunities, possible hazards, and port restrictions — in order to build a holistic plan for the widespread adoption of rotors on our bulk carriers. We will be starting with a pilot onboard Berge Neblina in late 2023. This ship will feature four rotors, 35m high and 5m in diameter. We expect this installation to generate fuel savings of up to 10%.
Solar Panels
Another area in which Berge Bulk has taken a leadership role as an early adopter is with the maritime application of solar photovoltaic technology. Rather than waiting for off-the-shelf technology to be ready, we are proactively helping the industry to test and learn, by running a series of solar power pilots onboard our ships.
In 2021, we launched a solar pilot onboard our vessel, Berge K2. The initial test installation produced 120kW average of electrical power. In 2022, we launched a second pilot onboard Berge Annapurna with a 417kW peak power generation capacity.
The solar power is fed into the main electrical grid, reducing fuel consumption by the ship’s diesel generators. We continue to observe and assess how the panels withstand the stresses whilst at sea and during in-port cargo operations.
Air Lubrication
Another means to reduce consumption is hull air lubrication. Air lubrication systems essentially provide a bed of air bubbles below the vessel’s hull, which improves speed, reduces friction, and minimises overall fuel consumption. We launched a pilot project for this technology onboard Berge Toubkal in September 2022 and are carefully observing fuel-saving results.
Shaft Generators
Shaft Generators are a hybrid modification that allows traditional single-shaft vessels to produce electricity using the main engine. This is more fuel-efficient, and requires less maintenance than conventional diesel generators. We launched our first pilot of this technology onboard Berge Toubkal in September 2022, with the next installation planned on Berge Mulhacen and Berge Olympus in mid-2023.
Shaft generators on these vessels will be installed on the main propulsion shaft and are expected to produce up to 1 megawatt of power. The extra power generated will be used to run our other decarbonisation systems, such as air lubrication compressors, Flettner rotors, and hydraulic pumps for rigid wing systems.
Intelligent Operational Efficiency
We rely on emerging technology solutions to provide meaningful insights that will enable us to operate our vessels more efficiently.
High Tech Fuel Optimisation
In our endeavour to further improve the energy efficiency and operational performance of vessels, Berge Bulk is piloting fuel optimisation techniques based on engine optimal settings.
The fuel optimisation control system enables us to fine-tune main engine fuel consumption, by having direct control of the vessel speed. The system works to minimise variation of vessel speed and engine load, and to sail in constant conditions as much as possible.
By simply giving the optimal fuel consumption versus speed, the system will minimise deviations from those conditions and reduce fuel consumption by 3-4 %.
