Norwegian shipowner Berge Rederi will take delivery of two ships that are equipped with Norsepower rotor sails, with the first vessel expected to launch by the end of 2025.
These newbuild vessels, designed by Marine Design and Consulting (MDC) and fabricated by Jiangsu Soho Marine Heavy Industry, measure 130 m in length. Each vessel will be equipped with two fixed 24 m x 4 m Norsepower rotor sails which are optimised for harsh conditions such as snow, ice, and high winds. The ships will feature battery packs and shaft generators, permitting short-distance hybrid-electric usage.
“By working with Berge Rederi and MDC from the design phase, we’ve ensured that these vessels will set a new benchmark for sustainability and efficiency in their class,” said Marcus Sannholm, head of sales at Norsepower.
Headquartered on the island of Hitra, Norway, Berge Rederi has a fleet of self-discharging bulk cargo vessels ranging from 3,700-13,000 dwt.
Magne Berge, owner of Berge Rederi, said: “The combination of hybrid propulsion and Norsepower rotor sails aligns perfectly with our mission to minimise our environmental footprint while maintaining the highest standards of operational efficiency.”
The vessels will operate along the Norwegian coast, where winds are often extremely high.
