Swedish company Berg Propulsion has been selected to provide control and propulsion technology for what will be one of the largest hybrid tugs ever delivered, after owner Buksér og Berging (BuBe) agreed specifications with Türkiye’s Uzmar Shipyard for its latest newbuild.
The project is said to showcase Berg’s roles as an integrator of electric propulsion technology and a supplier of high performance propulsion equipment. Berg will provide the full electrical power and control package for the Robert Allan-designed Rampage 4100BB-H tug, which will join BuBe’s North Sea operations in December 2024. Supply will include the electric motors, drives, main switchboard, power management system, alarm monitoring system, control system and mode selector. The order builds on long relationships with BuBe and Uzmar, as well as accumulated in-service operations of integrated Berg systems equivalent to over 100,000 hours. Berg’s scope of supply also includes twin MTA834CP azimuth thrusters and one MTT114CP bow thruster for the 120t bollard pull tug.
BuBe CEO Vetle Sverdrup said: “Working with Berg Propulsion, Robert Allen, and Uzmar Shipyard has brought together world-class expertise to create a vessel that will set new industry performance standards. Berg’s integrated hybrid system and automation solutions have been chosen for their ability to optimize tug efficiency and operational flexibility in a single package.”
Switching seamlessly between operating modes, Berg’s propulsion control package will contribute to the tug’s responsiveness and its ability to continuously optimise energy efficiency. Options comprise power mode (twin diesel engines + gensets, with load sharing managed by Berg’s MPC800A unit); mechanical + PTO mode; Eco mode (electric power from gensets, main thrusters run via PTI motors – main engines disengaged); and standby.
A Noyan Altug, CEO Uzmar, said: “This is a milestone project for Uzmar in every respect, and a significant win within our important Norwegian client base. Berg Propulsion has developed long and successful working relationships with Uzmar and BuBe. Past experience with Berg has been key for the owner in its selection – just as it is for Uzmar as delivery partner.”
‘Hardware in the Loop’ tests of electrical integration, the automation system and associated equipment would be conducted as a simulation of the future sea trial at Berg’s production facility before factory acceptance tests.
Mustafa Müslüm, GM Berg Propulsion Eurasia, said: “Such an extensive test will eliminate any interface issues before delivering products to the yard, which will optimise time management during the ship acceptance tests and the harbour acceptance tests.”
Jonas Nyberg, MD Advanced Solutions, Berg Propulsion, said: “Our partnership with BuBe is an excellent example of Berg’s role as integrator across advanced operational systems, including the interface with intricate mechanical solutions. We have dug deep into BuBe’s specific operational and service needs to ensure that every piece of equipment delivers its full potential. We focus on the way the crew interacts with these systems, particularly in the bridge area, in an integrated approach that guarantees not only seamless functionality but also an enhanced user experience, making operations intuitive and efficient.”
