A recent retrofit of the propulsion system on the cargo vessel - Norjarl, operated by Norwegian shipowner - Arriva, has confirmed fuel savings of over 10 percent, prompting the company to initiate a second 'Energy & Efficiency' project with Berg Propulsion.
Earlier this year, Arriva implemented Berg's MPC800 control system and Dynamic Drive on the Norjarl, a 5,335 gt vessel in operation since 2009, to optimise energy usage at reduced speeds in the pursuit of maintaining competitiveness in the shipping industry's shift towards low-carbon solutions.
State-of-the-art control technology
Performance monitoring over several months in the North Sea and Baltic Sea has validated fuel savings
Performance monitoring over several months in the North Sea and Baltic Sea has validated fuel savings, leading to a decision to retrofit another ship, the 4,183 gt general cargo carrier Norbris.
According to Paul Helland, Technical Manager at Arriva Shipping, "The Norjarl project showed the impact introducing state-of-the-art control technology could have when an existing ship is designed and maintained to the highest standards. After verifying the gains, we move forward with Norbris."
Berg Propulsion ERC2000 technology
The Norjarl originally used propulsion control from a different supplier with its MAN 6L32/40 engine. For the Norbris, built in 2002, the MPC800 control unit and Dynamic Drive will replace existing Berg Propulsion ERC2000 technology, operating alongside the ship's MaK 6M32C engine.
Magnus Thorén, Energy & Efficiency Sales Manager at Berg Propulsion, explained that the combination of the Dynamic Drive and auxiliary generators offers a flexible and economical route to managing engine speed.
Installation and performance evaluation
Energy & Efficiency projects extend the life of ships built before 2010, enabling them to compete amidst fluctuating
Magnus Thorén also noted, "We have installed control systems and the Dynamic Drive solution on several Arriva newbuilds, and the owner has become a key Berg Propulsion customer in Norway."
He adds, "The Norjarl retrofit involved close collaboration through installation and performance evaluation, so it is especially pleasing that the owner is confirming that the thinking behind the first project has been borne out by experience to drive a second."
Energy & Efficiency projects extend the life of ships built before 2010, enabling them to compete amidst fluctuating fuel costs and evolving environmental standards.
Modern control and drive technology
The continuation of these projects represents a success for Saga Marine, Berg Propulsion's representative in Norway.
Eirik Lutnaes of Saga Marine remarked, "There are plenty of good quality ships out there with the potential to perform cost-effectively, competitively, and sustainably using modern control and drive technology. We are delighted to work with Berg Propulsion in support of Arriva's fleet renewal strategy."
