Wind propulsion system provider Norsepower and Norwegian shipowner Berge Rederi have signed a deal to equip two general cargo carriers with Norsepower Rotor Sails.
These newbuild vessels, designed by Marine Design and Consulting (MDC) and constructed by Jiangsu Soho Marine Heavy Industry, will be delivered with the rotor sails installed, with the first vessel expected to launch by the end of 2025.
The 130m vessels, designed to operate with maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact, are said to represent the future of sustainable maritime innovation. In addition to Norsepower rotor sails, the ships will feature battery packs and shaft generators, enabling short-distance hybrid-electric operation. Each vessel will be equipped with two fixed 24m x 4m Norsepower rotor sails, specially optimised for harsh conditions like snow, ice, rain, and high winds often encountered along the Northern Sea routes.
By integrating these solutions, Berge Rederi aims to achieve significant environmental and operational benefits. When compared to similar vessels operating on the same trade route, significant fuel savings and emission reductions are expected, underscoring the company’s commitment to safer, more efficient, and sustainable maritime operations.
Norsepower has collaborated closely with Berge Rederi and Norwegian ship designer MDC to integrate its emission-reducing products into the vessels’ design. Through extensive hydrodynamic and structural studies, the teams optimised the vessels’ performance and ensured that the Norsepower rotor sails would deliver maximum savings and reliability.
Marcus Sannholm, Head of Sales, Norsepower, said: “This project was designed for the extreme conditions of the Northen Sea, and we are proud that Berge Rederi chose Norsepower as their partner. Our product has been in use at tough sea conditions for more than a decade now, which enables us to create these kinds of partnerships with innovative, market leading companies. By working with Berge Rederi and MDC from the design phase, we’ve ensured that these vessels will set a new benchmark for sustainability and efficiency in their class.”
Berge Rederi, based on the island of Hitra, Norway, operates a fleet of self-discharging bulk cargo vessels ranging from 3,700 to 13,000 dwt.
Berge Rederi owner Magne Berge said: “We’re excited to partner with Norsepower and MDC on this transformative project. The combination of hybrid propulsion and Norsepower rotor sails aligns perfectly with our mission to minimise our environmental footprint while maintaining the highest standards of operational efficiency.”
Operating along the Norwegian coast, the vessels will benefit from optimal wind conditions in the Northern Sea, where Norsepower rotor sails have been proven to perform well. The design of the sails with the latest high-tech materials should ensure reliable operation in the rough sea conditions characteristic of the region, further enhancing their suitability for this trade route.
Image: Berge vessel with Norsepower Northern Sea optimised rotor sails (source: Norsepower)
