Swedish shipowner Erik Thun Group has selected Berg Propulsion’s Dynamic Drive technology to optimise efficiency on board all 10 of its latest newbuildings, following successful pilot installations which exceeded energy efficiency gain expectations.
On trials, the integrated drive solution helped to save 10% of fuel, rising to 20% in some operational conditions. As part of Erik Thun’s rolling fleet renewal strategy, the owner recently expanded its newbuild program with Dutch yard Shipsveerf Ferus Smit to include four 5,100 dwt ’Troll-Max’ dry cargo vessels, as well as six 7,999 dwt coastal ‘Eco Tankers’. Tanker deliveries started earlier this year, with the last of the 10 vessels due in service in 2026.
All 10 ships will feature Berg’s complete main propulsion systems and energy optimising control technology, and include Dynamic Drive after trials on Snow Crystal, Nordic Crystal and Baltic Crystal.
Ola Persson, Technical Project Manager, Erik Thun, said: “The data indicated that, on average, Dynamic Drive functionality will help achieve a 10% saving in fuel consumption, while in some operational conditions that could increase to 20%.”
Dynamic Drive is an adaptive thrust and fuel optimisation software, offered for inclusion with the Berg Propulsion MPC 800 control system. The software automatically and dynamically identifies the most energy efficient settings for propeller pitch/rpm to produce the thrust to maintain the required speed.
Jorgen Karlsson, GM Europe and Americas, Berg Propulsion, said: “Dynamic Drive provides a user-friendly interface which simplifies a key part of operations, allowing crew to set limits more easily to ensure consistent fuel-efficient vessel operation in all operational modes.”
Thun conducted its initial trial of the solution on board the newbuilding bulk carrier Snow Crystal – a modern, energy efficient, ice class 1A ship which operates on Sweden’s Lake Vänern. Its success convinced the owner to choose the solution for Nordic Crystal and Baltic Crystal, with specifications modified to include ‘floating frequency’ capabilities.
Henrik Källsson, Erik Thun Deputy MD said: “Decarbonisation is a key driver for our operations and maximising efficiency is a central requirement for reducing carbon intensity, whether we are talking about current fuels or the new generation of higher cost alternatives. Working with the Berg Propulsion team over many years has proved a winning formula for us.”
Mattias Hansson, Global Sales Manager, Berg Propulsion, added: “I would like to thank Erik Thun and Ferus Smit for continuing our excellent cooperation, where clarity on objectives encourages openness to innovative ideas – especially those aligning with Thun’s focus on sustainability. Dynamic Drive is delivering a practical solution that helps a ship’s crew and its owner achieve greener operations.”
