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

Swiss marine power company WinGD on Monday (2 June) launched its global service offer, expanding the original parts supply, in-service support and technical advisory it currently delivers during the engine warranty period across the entire vessel lifecycle. 

Global Service by WinGD will support ship operators by maximising the profit-making potential of their engines and vessels, maintaining optimal efficiency and extending the compliant lifetime of their assets.

The service expansion pairs WinGD’s understanding of the vessel energy system with a global service network delivering on-time and on-budget field service, technical support and spare parts. 

Global Service by WinGD complements the full lifecycle support already offered to global WinGD users through digital optimisation, hybrid energy integration and management, and crew training solutions.

WinGD CEO Dominik Schneiter, said: “Our customers are increasingly looking to us to help them navigate the challenges of deep-sea shipping. Today this includes not only the clean energy transition but also supply chain uncertainty, the growing complexity of ship systems, and the need to leverage insights available through digitalisation.”

“Our unique understanding of the main engine means we are the ideal partner to help keep vessels running at optimal performance, ensuring peace of mind for our customers.”

To develop a service offer that fully meets customer expectations, WinGD has partnered with key engine users on service programme pilots. 

Working directly with vessels in operation, the service business has been designed from the perspective of a global customer prioritising responsiveness and reliability. 

To achieve this, the service offer will be supported by experienced personnel stationed around the globe, technical support centred in Switzerland and Asia, and spare parts deployed from warehouse locations worldwide.

“With Global Service by WinGD, we’re not just meeting customer expectations — we’re redefining them,” added Benny Hilström, Vice President of Market Development at WinGD. 

“Ship owners worldwide have come to rely on WinGD not just for high-performance engines, but for unwavering support exactly when and how they need it. This is service on their terms and we’re setting a new standard.”

The service offer will be available to all customers of a WinGD designed engine.

Photo credit: WinGD
Published: 3 June, 2025

Estonia, one of the Northern European leaders in maritime green technologies and ship retrofitting, on Thursday (29 May) said it has launched a EUR 25 million (USD 29 million) government grant designed to encourage the reconstruction and greening of passenger and cargo ships, tugboats and other port and auxiliary vessels in Estonian ports.

This makes Estonia one of the few countries in Europe offering direct financial support in the form of state aid for ship retrofitting. The new grant, enacted by Estonia’s Minister of Infrastructure, Kuldar Leis, provides shipowners and operators with subsidies covering 15% to 30% of eligible retrofit costs, up to a maximum of EUR 5 million per project. For instance, in order to qualify for a 30% support rate, the vessel must be converted into a zero-emission ship. Additionally, factors such as the ship’s flag state and how frequently it visits local ports also influence the rate of support. 

“Global demand for cleaner maritime transport is growing rapidly. Estonian marine industry companies have the expertise and experience to deliver world-class retrofit services and support shipowners in making their fleets more environmentally friendly,” said Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis. 

“From design and technical consulting to implementation and maintenance, Estonian ports offer convenient and efficient hubs for retrofit projects.”

For maritime companies looking to modernise their fleets, the grant creates a significant incentive to adopt greener solutions such as installing hybrid engines, adopting equipment powered by renewable fuels, or implementing exhaust gas cleaning systems. Other innovations that reduce pollution and improve energy efficiency are also eligible for support.

“This grant program marks a key milestone in Estonia’s drive toward greener, more sustainable maritime practices. By supporting the adoption of innovative technologies, we are helping maritime operators reduce their environmental footprint and prepare for future challenges,” said Kaupo Läänerand, Deputy Secretary General for Maritime and Water Affairs at the Estonian Ministry of Climate. 

“With the maritime sector now included in the EU Emissions Trading System, this measure helps channel revenues collected from shipowners back into supporting their transition to greener technologies.”

As stricter environmental regulations loom, the need for ships capable of operating with hydrogen and electric propulsion systems, carbon capture technologies, and advanced software solutions is set to grow. Estonia is prepared to meet this demand through the Estonian Marine Greentech & Retrofit Hub — a one-stop solution offering comprehensive services for green ship retrofitting.

Note: The grant is subject to the conditions available on the website of the Estonian Environmental Investment Centre.

Photo credit: CHUTTERSNAP from Unsplash
Published: 26 May, 2025