Skarv Shipping Solutions has increased an order for ‘zero carbon project carriers’ from Shandong Huanghai Shipbuilding in China to five ships, extending its commitment to a Berg Propulsion package that optimises vessel efficiency regardless of power source.
Bergen-based Skarv, a joint venture formed by Peak CSL Group and Grieg Edge to develop sustainable short-sea shipping, specified inline ammonia-ready engines for the initial four 7,000 dwt ships, with the first ship due for delivery in Q4 2025, followed by three more through 2026. The fifth vessel – due for delivery in the second half of 2027 – will feature DF ammonia/MGO capability.
In all cases, vessel performance will count on integrated control and propulsion technology from Berg which the company says is future-proofed to work with a full range of alternative marine fuels and other green energy sources. Berg collaborated closely with Skarv and ship designer LMG Marin to devise a tailor-made, adaptable propulsion solution for the 108m long vessels. The system’s efficiency has already proved itself as ahead of fuel economy and emissions expectations in model tests at Norway’s independent research organisation Sintef.
Skarv CEO Jan Øivind Svardal said: “We have worked closely with LMG Marin, Berg and Shandong Huangdai Shipbuilding to secure efficiencies in every detail of these ships. As well as serving shipping’s decarbonisation agenda, we are confident that these high performance and adaptable carriers will attract charters from project cargo customers who expect the most cost efficient decarbonisation.”
Each ship will feature a single screw CP installation from Berg with a large propeller diameter and high system torque capability, optimised to match hull/power/speed – and in this case ice class – as well as thrusters. Berg’s control, power distribution and energy management system integrates main engine, battery and shore power sources to optimise vessel efficiency in all scenarios.
Svardal said: “The zero carbon carrier will be far more climate-friendly than what we see in Europe’s short-sea market today, with a very low fuel consumption. It is not what we imagine is the final climate solution for shipping, but it is a giant step in the right direction.”
Including electric motors with permanent magnet technology and run by Berg’s MPC800 Control System, the package provides continuous dynamic optimisation of propeller rpm/pitch/vessel speed, in a setup also future-proof to integrate bigger batteries and fuel cells. It integrates dual DC-Hubs from The Switch, which control propulsion motors, batteries and the inverter for the main switchboard and deliver the variable speed capability to optimise genset energy use.
Mattias Hansson, Senior GM Sales, Berg Propulsion, said: “The results from Sintef verified how Berg technology future-proofs ships for efficiency independent of the power and fuel sources by reducing energy consumption dynamically and adaptively on an integrated basis,” said . “We are therefore delighted that the owner has returned to place a fifth order in this innovative ship series. This is an outstanding example of what can be achieved by ship, main propulsion and electrical systems when a shipowner, a ship designer, a shipyard and an equipment and system integrator work together in the early design phase to prioritize performance and sustainability.”
Image: Berg and Skarv sign deals for additional zero-emission propulsion package (source: Berg Propulsion)
