Berg Propulsion equips MPCC feeder ships to run bio-methanol bunker fuel

NCL Nordland, the second in a pair of container ships designed to be powered bio-methanol for low-carbon shipping, has now entered service, following the successful launch of its sister vessel Vestland, according to Berg Propulsion on Monday (2 June). 

Owned by MPC Container Ships (MPCC), these dual fuel 1,300 TEU vessels can be operated on methanol and/or MGO, under a 15-year charter to North Sea Container Line (NCL) in services connecting Norway and Rotterdam.

“Nordland and Vestland established MPCC as an early mover in competitive green fuel strategies to deliver long-term shareholder value for shipping’s low carbon future,” said Constantin Baack, CEO of MPCC. 

“The project also shows how we meet ambitious goals by working with like-minded partners.”

The vessels’ space-optimised and high-performance propulsion systems cut energy use per TEU per nautical mile by 63% compared to earlier models. NCL has also partnered with Equinor to supply bio-methanol—starting with a 5% blend, with plans to gradually increase the ratio in line with the evolving fuel supply chain.

Each vessel features an integrated Berg energy management system and tailored total propulsion package. This setup consolidates the electrical components of the propulsion chain to optimise the performance of the two-stroke main engine, incorporating Berg’s MPP 1410 Controllable Pitch Propeller and MTT bow and stern thrusters.

Christian Rychly, Chief Operating Officer, MPC Container Ships, said: “Berg Propulsion and partners managed to develop, build and integrate complex systems and applied high-end technological philosophies into fully functional machinery on board both vessels despite challenges that can occur during newbuilding projects, and we would like to thank them for their cooperation and support.”

“We worked as a co-designer for the integrated main propulsion solution, configuring the compact ER (Engine Room) layout to enable optimized aft ship design and performance,” said Mattias Hansson, Senior Global Sales Manager at Berg. “We are delighted that the teamwork between all parties in this collaborative newbuilding program has resulted in truly exceptional ship fuel efficiency.”

Berg’s customised solution also includes optimised propeller designs, along with power and control electronics, to ensure maximum flexibility during operations.

“Nordland joins a service which is already proving itself on efficiency,” added Bente Hetland, Managing Director of NCL. “This is an extraordinary example of stakeholders collaborating to overcome decarbonisation challenges cost-effectively so that green freight is the customer’s preferred choice.”

“This is next level energy management which mixes and matches the energy sources to the best advantage of ship performance,” said Mattias Dombrowe, Business Manager, Electric System Integration at Berg. 

“The hybridised set up optimises energy use from gensets, the shaft alternator, and 250 kWh battery for load balancing during thruster or other peak loads, also accommodating the shore connector for zero emissions when the vessels are in port.”

Photo credit: Berg Propulsion
Published: 3 June, 2025