Interview Questions for Cleaner Seas – Emil Cerdier, Chief Technology Officer, Berg Propulsion. March 2026

1. How would you describe Berg Propulsion’s latest developments in integrated propulsion solutions? What differentiates your approach from traditional propulsion packages?

At Berg Propulsion we always strive to develop tailor made solutions to best match the intended operational profile and requirements for each vessel project. Optimizing design for an integrated propulsion solution focuses on total efficiency, minimizing the risk that optimizing one product comes at the expense of the efficiency of another. As well as optimizing fuel consumption and emissions overall, integration is differentiated from traditional propulsion solutions because it offers seamless control and maximizes vessel up-time.

2. In practical terms, how does an integrated propulsion architecture benefit shipowners and operators such as Skarv Shipping or North Sea Container Line (NCL)?

As vessel designs and technologies become more advanced, system complexity increases. Working in partnership with the client, Berg Propulsion develops the propulsion concept the owner needs for a reliable, efficient and high-performance vessel. Berg’s role also means working closely with the yard to ensure that construction and commissioning is managed efficiently with clear responsibilities.

3. Green innovation is becoming increasingly essential in the maritime sector. Could you explain how the Green Forge Shafts contribute to reducing emissions and improving sustainability?

At Berg Propulsion we are constantly exploring ways to drive sustainability. This means developing more efficient products and solutions, but we have also extended our consideration to the way we produce and source materials. With Green Forge, the production of propeller shafts is 96% fossil-free, due to the use of recycled material, renewable electricity and renewable gas.

4. How does Berg Propulsion support shipowners in achieving greener, more efficient operations while complying with global decarbonization requirements?

Berg Propulsion believes a combination of efforts is needed to help its clients achieve most progress on efficiency and decarbonization. One key is to develop and verify products which achieve the highest possible efficiency in their own right – such as blades, gears, nozzles etc. The second essential is to develop systems with the highest possible combined efficiency. It’s therefore critical to evaluate the vessel’s intended operational profile, so that the best combination of engine power, propeller diameter, gearbox ratio and electrical system integration equipment is selected. In addition, we offer solutions such as Dynamic Drive which actively and automatically optimizes efficiency during operation, and the Marine Information Display and Mode Selector to assist and guide the crew to run the vessel in the leanest way in all conditions.

Berg Propulsion has also developed OpWind® – a software package to help crews working with sail/propeller combinations to optimize engine efficiency with respect to propeller rpm/blade pitch angle when sails are in use.

5. Looking ahead, what are the company’s priorities in terms of propulsion technology development and support for the transition to cleaner energy?

Berg Propulsion is investing in R&D to support the green transition with new analytics tools, products, and functionalities. Berg’s increasing experience in evaluating power and propulsion options for different conditions across newbuild and retrofit projects has also enhanced our expertise to help owners make cost-effective energy transition decisions.

6. Offshore support vessels operate under demanding conditions. How are Berg Propulsion’s integrated solutions designed to enhance reliability and performance in offshore environments?

Our long experience in the offshore industry has built up our expertise on what is required to perform in these tough conditions. Both high utilization rates and high-performance are critical, and vessel up-time is often the differentiator. Beyond prioritizing robust and reliable products, it’s fair to say that Berg’s inclusion of features such as continuous circulation, moisture monitoring and full redundancy as standard has underpinned our strong position in the offshore sector.

7. What specific propulsion technologies or configurations does Berg Propulsion recommend for OSVs, AHTSs, PSVs, or ERRVs to improve maneuverability and fuel efficiency?

Berg’s feathering controllable pitch propellers provide a highly effective solution for maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing maintenance costs. They allow the vessel to run in single screw mode in transit and standby but in twin screw mode for towing or dynamic positioning. Berg Propulsion also offers a range of concepts for hybrid or fully electric configurations. Our patented Direct Drive Electric solution, for example, uses an in-line permanent magnet motor directly coupled to the propeller shaft, combining extremely high propulsion efficiency with system robustness. Hybrid configurations combine the efficiencies of mechanical engines for extended periods of high load operations with the benefits of electric motors for propulsion system efficiency during low power demand operations.

8. Hybridization is gaining traction in offshore operations. How is Berg Propulsion supporting offshore vessel owners interested in hybrid or hybrid-ready propulsion setups?

At Berg Propulsion we have simulation and analytics tools that help us compare different propulsion concepts for maximized performance, total efficiency, equipment cost, maintenance costs etc. We provide these as a service to vessel owners and designers in the early project phase to share our expertise in this field.

We also supply on-board systems and functions to fully utilize the potential of a hybrid system and operate the vessel in the optimum way. Our Marine Information Display and Mode Selector are examples of how we visualize the current operational and system setup and make mode transitions seamless and effective.

Berg Propulsion also has a dedicated team helping customers to upgrade existing vessels to hybrid or other upgrade options to take advantage of the new technologies and products becoming available and keep their fleet competitive and compliant with regulations.

9. Digitalization is becoming critical in offshore fleet management. How do Berg Propulsion’s monitoring and control systems help operators make better operational decisions at sea?

We are offering a variety of solutions and functions to help operators use the propulsion systems in the most efficient way. These include active and automated systems like Dynamic Drive and OpWind for continuous optimization of rpm and pitch. Our Marine Information Display and Mode Selector solutions help the operator make informed decisions based on data and visualization of power generation and propulsion modes, also simplifying switching between modes: one system coordinates engine start/stop, gensets and clutch activation, alternators, motors, etc. The use of data analytics is also fundamental to our approach, for evaluating vessel operations to optimize asset efficiency and maximize up-time.

10. As offshore operations expand into deeper waters and harsher environments, what propulsion challenges do you foresee, and how is Berg Propulsion preparing solutions for the next generation of offshore vessels?

Berg Propulsion has a long history of delivery for vessels working in these conditions and we offer a broad portfolio of products and solutions for conditions where down-time is not an option. Robust and reliable design principles have always been our priority and this corresponds to supporting prolonged operations at high load in harsh environments, including ice, etc. We have also developed specific advanced solutions to enhance efficiency, such as the TwinFin – which houses propellers in two specialized, angled fin-shaped hull appendages.