Berge Bulk - Experts & Thought Leaders

Berge Bulk, one of the world’s independent dry bulk owners, and Sofar Ocean, a San Francisco-based maritime technology company, announced that Berge Bulk has adopted Sofar’s Wayfinder platform across its fleet of owned vessels, including new vessels equipped with wind propulsion technology. Wayfinder Berge Bulk uses Wayfinder’s dynamic voyage optimisation to save fuel, time, and emissions, supporting the carrier’s “Maritime Marshall Plan” decarbonisation strategy. Wayfinder leverages the most accurate marine weather forecasts powered by Sofar’s global network of ocean sensors and data-driven vessel performance models that are continuously calibrated using the best available weather and vessel data.  Maritime Marshall Plan "Using innovative technology to boost vessel efficiency is key to our 'Maritime Marshall Plan' for decarbonisation," said James Marshall, founder and CEO of Berge Bulk. "Sofar's Wayfinder helps us understand fleet performance and importantly improves the vessel's route optimisation as we aim for a zero-emissions fleet."   Saves fuel and emissions “By reducing uncertainty in the weather predictions, Wayfinder delivers significant efficiency gains immediately and does so voyage after voyage, saving an average of 4-6% on fuel and emissions,” said Tim Janssen, co-founder and CEO of Sofar Ocean. “We are excited about the role of Wayfinder in supporting new technologies to drive the energy transition, and look forward to partnering with Berge Bulk on its journey to decarbonisation.”  Scope 1 emissions Berge Bulk’s adoption of Wayfinder is the latest in a series of decarbonisation initiatives Berge Bulk’s adoption of Wayfinder is the latest in a series of decarbonisation initiatives aimed at achieving zero scope 1 emissions fleetwide by 2050. In the past year, Berge Bulk has equipped two ships, Newcastlemax vessel Berge Olympus and Valemax carrier Berge Neblina with wind propulsion technology.  Performance optimisation Wayfinder is used on both sail-assisted vessels to maximise the benefits of the sails on efficiency. As Berge Bulk outfits more vessels with wind propulsion and invests in additional decarbonisation initiatives like alternative fuels, it will utilise Wayfinder to help measure and optimise the performance of each new technology.  RPM guidance The data-driven weather models greatly reduce forecast uncertainty and increase vessel performance Wayfinder provides dynamic route and RPM guidance that accounts for variations in weather, market, and vessel performance. Wayfinder uses Sofar’s superior weather forecasts, powered by its proprietary global ocean sensor network. These data-driven weather models greatly reduce forecast uncertainty and increase vessel performance model accuracy, ensuring Wayfinder keeps vessels on the most efficient path to port.  Vessel performance and voyage optimisation “Better weather data and forecasts are a cornerstone to unlock superior vessel performance models and voyage optimisation,” said Janssen. “Our partnership with Berge Bulk is built on this philosophy and we are committed to helping prepare its fleet for a present and future defined by decarbonisation." "We know that there is no silver bullet for getting to net zero, but are confident that voyage optimisation is a stepping stone technology to support the efficient rollout of new, green technologies.” 

Berge Bulk’s Berge Neblina, a 388,000 dwt Valemax Ore Carrier, is currently completing its voyage to Brazil following the successful installation of four 5x35m Rotor Sails from Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd (“Anemoi”).  Rotor sails The installation, which took place during the vessel’s scheduled dry docking, was completed at Yiu Lian Dockyards (Shekou) Ltd in China.  The selected Rotor Sails have been installed on Anemoi’s bespoke folding deployment system, whereby the sails can be folded from the vertical to mitigate the impact on air draught and cargo handling operations when in port.  Decarbonisation technology “Leveraging the latest in wind technology to reduce our fleet’s emissions is an important part of Berge Bulk’s ‘Maritime Marshall Plan’ for decarbonisation. We are optimistic that these Rotor Sails can deliver up to 8% carbon reduction,” said Paolo Tonon, Berge Bulk’s Technical Director. Kim Diederichsen, CEO of Anemoi, said, “Anemoi’s collaboration with Berge Bulk demonstrates how we are both working in partnership to ultimately secure shipping’s zero-emission future. Anemoi remains committed to maintaining its position as a leading provider of critical vessel decarbonisation technology.” Increasing efficiency, reducing fuel consumption Rotor Sails, also referred to as ‘Flettner Rotors’, are comprised of vertical cylinders Rotor Sails, also referred to as ‘Flettner Rotors’, are comprised of vertical cylinders which, when driven to rotate, harness the renewable power of the wind to propel ships. These highly efficient mechanical sails capitalise on the aerodynamic phenomenon known as the Magnus Effect to provide additional thrust to vessels. By leveraging wind energy, Berge Neblina will see increased efficiency by reducing the load on the main engine while maintaining speed, therefore substantially reducing fuel consumption and resulting in less greenhouse gas emissions.  Net-zero shipping emissions The technology is being increasingly embraced by ship owners, especially in the bulk sector, who are aiming to achieve net-zero shipping emissions. Rotor Sails have emerged as a preferred technology to augment and enhance the energy performance of vessels. Rotor Sails are a compact technology, that offers a large thrust force to propel ships, helping them comply with pivotal international emission reduction benchmarks such as the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and EEDI/EEXI. 

Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd – a global major in wind-assisted propulsion technology for commercial vessels – has announced the appointment of Claes Horndahl as their new Commercial Director. With a career spanning more than 20 years supporting gas carriers and tankers, Claes brings a wealth of expertise in maritime consultancy, commercial strategy, and operational efficiency to Anemoi, as the company ramps up production of its award-winning Rotor Sail systems owing to growing demand. Prior roles of Claes Claes Horndahl studied Industrial Engineering and Management at Chalmers University of Technology Claes Horndahl studied Industrial Engineering and Management at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, before joining DNV Maritime Solutions spearheading projects on risk management, operational efficiency and energy conservation across the marine and offshore sectors, as well as the governmental sector.  He then transitioned to lead several commercial activities, overseeing sales and credit teams both in Europe and internationally for world-renowned marine products and service suppliers. With a proven track record in pioneering commercial activities and building successful and dynamic teams, Claes also brings a vital understanding of the challenging aspects of ship owning and ship management, particularly in the realm of decreasing emissions and finding practical cost-cutting measures. Underscores Anemoi’s commitment As a strong advocate for sustainable maritime practices, Claes’ appointment underscores Anemoi’s commitment to reducing vessel emissions and improving operational efficiency for owners and operators. Claes Horndahl said: “I am honoured to join Anemoi at this pivotal moment in the maritime industry’s journey to decarbonisation. Anemoi’s dedication and mission for sustainability in shipping through its Rotor Sail technology resonates deeply with my own professional ethos." He adds, "I’m joining the team at an exciting period of growth as Anemoi couples with some of the largest shipowners in the world to help integrate Rotor Sail technology into commercial operations.” Delivering sustainable solutions Kim Diederichsen, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Anemoi Marine Technologies, expressed his enthusiasm about Claes' appointment, stating: "Claes' arrival marks an exciting chapter for Anemoi. His proven track record in team building and global commercial acumen align seamlessly with our objectives." Kim Diederichsen adds, "As we continue to spearhead wind-assisted propulsion technologies with our pioneering Rotor Sail technology, Claes' expertise will be instrumental in fortifying our global footprint and delivering sustainable solutions to owners throughout the industry." Vessel’s EEDI calculations The appointment comes soon after Anemoi achieved Approval in Principle from the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime Administrator earlier in the year, following a review of a 210,000dwt Newcastlemax bulk carrier, which validated Anemoi’s Rotor Sails and unique folding and bespoke rail deployment systems, and how the company’s systems will impact a vessel’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) calculations. The company is also currently fitting its Rotor Sail technology to the Berge Neblina, a 388k DWT Valemax Ore Carrier owned by Berge Bulk.