Berge Bulk launches bulker “Berge Olympus” with retrofitted WindWings 

Dry bulk ship owner Berge Bulk on Tuesday (17 October) launched its Newcastlemax bulker, Berge Olympus, with four retrofitted BARTech WindWings by Yara Marine Technologies. 

Berge Bulk said the WindWings installation is part of the firm’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2025 and marks the Berge Olympus as “the world’s most powerful sailing cargo ship.”

With four WindWings installed, each possessing an aerodynamic span of 37.5 metres height and 20 metres width, the Berge Olympus will save six tonnes of fuel per day on an average worldwide route and, in the process, reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 19.5 tonnes per day. 

With these fuel savings and CO2 reductions, Berge Bulk said it is evaluating the potential of installing WindWings on more of its vessels that trade on routes with favourable wind conditions.

In addition to the installation of the WindWings, Berge Olympus has been retrofitted with a shaft generator system. The shaft generator is driven by the main engine to supply electric power to the vessel, thus saving fuel and reducing emissions. With a 1MW capacity, it is sized to eliminate the need to operate auxiliary engines while at sea. This installation concludes a programme that saw multiple vessels retrofitted with the technology.

Berge Bulk has deployed a four-pillar decarbonisation plan that focuses on improving fleet efficiency, leveraging the latest maritime technology, piloting new fuels and investing in carbon capture, Berge Bulk calls it the Marshall Plan.

James Marshall, Chief Executive Officer, Berge Bulk, said: “At Berge Bulk, we are constantly striving to enhance our efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of our existing fleet. From 2008 until today, we have achieved a remarkable 46% reduction in our CO2 emissions per tonne mile, already surpassing the 2030 IMO target for reducing carbon emissions intensity. There’s still so much to do as we accelerate the transition to new fuel in the zero-carbon future. That is why we are proud to partner with BAR Technologies and Yara Marine Technologies to pioneer this WindWing system. The Berge Olympus is a testament to innovation and sustainability.”

John Cooper, Chief Executive Officer, BAR Technologies, said: “We’re immensely proud to be spearheading wind-assisted propulsion through the development of WindWings and through our shared vision with Berge Bulk to launch the world’s most powerful sailing cargo ship. We cannot afford to stand still in developing sustainable solutions for the shipping industry.”

“We believe there is more to be done to harness wind power and push shipping into a greener, and more efficient era. To that end, we are already working on superior hydrodynamics and new types of accommodation blocks with several vessel designers.”

Thomas Koniordos, Chief Executive Officer, Yara Marine Technologies, said: “Wind-assisted propulsion has the potential to offer immediate long-term solutions for shipping’s pathway to Net Zero. We are proud to work with trusted partners such as Berge Bulk and ensure that this technology can be scaled and manufactured to shipping’s high standards, ensuring a robust and resilient supply chain that can meet industry demand.”

Last week, Berge Olympus, a 210,000 DWT dry bulk carrier, powered by wind-assisted propulsion, made its maiden voyage to Singapore while on its way to Brazil from China. 

Related: Port of Singapore welcomes recent visits of wind-powered vessels

Photo credit: Berge Bulk 
Published: 18 October, 2023