Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement - Experts & Thought Leaders

Pioneering shipping companies are joining forces to combat ocean plastic pollution through the launch of the Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS): a new industry alliance driving measurable reductions in plastic and operational waste at scale. Founded by Seven Clean Seas (SCS), an ocean impact organisation, MACS unites founding members, including Berge Bulk, X-Press Feeders, and others from across the global maritime value chain. Oceans underpin global trade and face mounting plastic challenges Oceans carry around 90% of global trade and provide livelihoods for more than 2 million seafarers worldwide. Yet they face unprecedented pressure, with 14 million tonnes of plastic entering and damaging marine ecosystems every year. While the maritime sector contributes only a small fraction of this pollution, even isolated cargo losses or poor waste handling on board or quayside can have serious consequences which could be prevented, especially with plastic pellets, films and light packaging.  By advancing best practices, innovation, and collaboration across the value chain, the industry can play a pivotal role in reducing plastic leakage and protecting the very waters it relies on. A pivotal moment for maritime sustainability MACS builds on the IMO’s established Plastic Marine Litter Action Plan and responds to the growing global sentiment for coordinated, industry-wide action on plastic pollution. As scrutiny around environmental and community impact intensifies, MACS creates a unified front for maritime players to reduce plastic use, share best practices, and inspire change across adjacent sectors with even larger plastic footprints. Collective action for measurable impact MACS builds on SCS’s track record of tackling plastic pollution at its source. Operating in some of the world’s most polluted coastal regions, SCS develops holistic certified recovery projects that not only recover ocean plastic but also deliver fair employment and community impact on the ground. The Association brings maritime leaders together to tackle two core objectives of ocean plastic recovery at scale and waste reduction across the maritime value chain, with the initial focus for 2026 on three key areas: Sustainable procurement and material use; Vessel waste measurement and reduction; And improved portside waste reception. IMO’s 2030 Action Plan These efforts align directly with the IMO’s 2030 Action Plan. It also marks a key milestone in SCS’ mission to recover 100,000,000 kilograms of plastic and improve 200,000 lives by 2030, proving how targeted collaboration can drive systemic change and inspire far-reaching environmental progress. “Seven Clean Seas has always believed in collective action as the most powerful lever for change,” said Tom Peacock-Nazil, Founder & Chairman of MACS. “With MACS, we’re providing the maritime industry with the tools it needs to make measurable progress against plastic pollution. Not in isolation, but together.” Driving systemic change through collaboration Founding members Berge Bulk, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), X-Press Feeders, and Britoil Offshore Services represent a cross-section of the global maritime sector, from bulk carriers and ship management to offshore operations. Their participation reflects a shared commitment to operational excellence, environmental leadership, and data transparency. “At Berge Bulk, the oceans are at the heart of our business, so we have always felt an obligation to protect them and a responsibility to keep them clean,” said Michael Blanding, Head of Sustainability & Communications. “Our long-standing work with SCS has already delivered tangible results, and through MACS, we’re proud to help lead a united industry response that can achieve change at scale.” Improvements across the maritime ecosystem Francis Goh, Chief Operating Officer of X-Press Feeders, added, “As a global shipping company, we recognise the responsibility we have to safeguard the oceans that sustain global trade." "Our collaboration with SCS goes back several years and joining MACS is a natural extension of our sustainability journey which goes beyond reducing emissions to also address the waste and plastic challenges facing our shared environment. Together with our peers, we can make practical, lasting improvements across the maritime ecosystem.” Advance responsible operations “Our work begins and ends with the sea, and with that comes a responsibility to protect it,” said Florent Kirchhoff, Chief Executive Officer of Britoil Offshore Services. “Through this partnership with MACS, Britoil aims to advance responsible operations through collaboration, reflecting our shared care for the oceans and the ingenuity that drives us to find solutions for a better future.” Future for the maritime industry Elena Pantazidou, HR Director & Board Member of Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, commented, “At Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, we believe that safeguarding our oceans is not just a responsibility but a commitment to future generations. Joining forces as a founding member of the Maritime Association for Clean Seas reflects our dedication to driving sustainable practices across the maritime industry.” MACS welcomes members who wish to play an active role in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future for the maritime industry and the oceans that sustain it.

Bernhard Schulte Offshore (BSO) has taken delivery of the state-of-the-art, commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV) WINDEA Curie, yard number 320 from Ulstein Verft. Key features include a motion-compensated walk-to-work gangway and elevator tower, a helideck, and a 3D-compensated crane, making her ideal for diverse offshore projects, including wind, offshore oil and gas. This SX222 design has been developed by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS. Long traditions in maritime innovation The vessel and her sister vessel, which will be given later this year, are models of long traditions The vessel and her sister vessel, which will be delivered later this year, are representatives of long traditions in maritime innovation, showcasing advanced technology, exceptional safety standards, and unparalleled efficiency in offshore operations. "Our new ‘WINDEA Curie’ is an excellent addition to our offshore fleet of now four ultra-modern vessels," says Matthias Müller, Managing Director at BSO. All four have been designed and delivered by Ulstein. Advancing maritime technology Matthias Müller adds: "The new ship and her following sister vessel will not only add more capacity to our offshore fleet but also strengthen its competitiveness and reputation due to their design features, especially with regard to fuel economy and flexible employment." He continues, "We are proud to deliver the WINDEA Curie to Bernhard Schulte Offshore, marking another milestone in our long-standing and successful partnership. This vessel, along with her sister ship, showcases the innovative spirit and high standards that define our collaboration." "Together, we are advancing maritime technology and sustainability, delivering exceptional performance and reliability for offshore operations," says Lars Lühr Olsen, Managing Director at Ulstein Verft. Efficient engines and heat recovery system The vessel offers up to 90 cabins with daylight, providing living conditions for offshore personnel The vessel has an X-STERN at each end for soft movements, increased comfort and reduced fuel consumption. She has highly efficient engines and a heat recovery system to ensure optimal performance and reduced environmental impact, aligning with Schulte Group's commitment to sustainability. The vessel offers up to 90 cabins with daylight, providing comfortable living conditions for offshore personnel. In total, there are 111 cabins, accommodating up to 132 people, with life-saving equipment for all onboard. Advanced DP systems Featuring advanced DP systems and incorporating the TWIN X-STERN technology, the vessel keeps precise positioning and stability in challenging offshore environments. This capability is crucial for maintaining operational excellence and safety. The motion-compensated Ampelmann gangway and 3D motion-compensated Motus crane represent significant upgrades compared to previous BSO vessels. The crane can handle loads of up to 5 tonnes under optimal conditions, enhancing operational efficiency and versatility.

The hull of yard number (Yno) 321 for BS Offshore arrived at Ulstein Verft. This marks the beginning of a new phase in the shipbuilding process. The vessel is designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS for ‘walk-to-work’ (W2W) operations, where personnel walks via a motion-compensated gangway from the ship to a wind turbine. Hull arrival at Ulstein Verft The hull arrival at Ulstein Verft marks a new phase, which includes securing, painting While the hull has been under construction at the CRIST yard in Poland, closely monitored by a site team from Ulstein Verft, the designers and engineers at the various Ulstein companies in Norway and Poland have been working on finalising the detailed drawings for the ship. The hull arrival at Ulstein Verft marks a new phase, which includes securing, painting, outfitting, piping, equipment installations, electrical work, and system integration. Progress and collaboration of the vessel The vessel is sister to Yno 320, launched at Ulstein Verft on 23 February. “We are pleased to see the journey toward completing the second CSOV is progressing and look forward to the continued progress and collaboration in bringing this vessel, designed with efficiency, safety, and sustainability at its core, to life”, says Matthias Müller, Managing Director BS Offshore. TWIN X-STERN CSOV series The vessel will also have a diesel-electric propulsion system with substantial battery energy storage Like its predecessor, the newbuild is part of the innovative TWIN X-STERN CSOV series, known for its exceptional operational performance and seakeeping abilities. During the outfitting phase, the vessel will be equipped with advanced technology, including a 3D-compensated crane and a gangway, ensuring safe and efficient personnel and cargo transfer to offshore wind turbine facilities. The vessel will also have a diesel-electric propulsion system with substantial battery energy storage, significantly reducing the environmental footprint. She is prepared for methanol as a future fuel. Offshore wind sector After her delivery in 2025, the vessel will be ready to support the offshore wind sector with modern, high-comfort accommodation for up to 132 crew and clients. This is Ulstein's fifth W2W vessel for BS Offshore. All have been designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS and constructed at Ulstein Verft. BS Offshore is a pioneering ship owner, and Ulstein is proud to continue the partnership, contributing to the advancement of sustainable maritime solutions.