Wärtsilä and Berge Bulk complete first inline shaft generator retrofit
(Posted on 08/02/23)
The technology group Wärtsilä has successfully retrofitted an inline shaft generator system on the ‘Berge Toubkal’, a cape-size bulk carrier owned by Singapore-based Berge Bulk. This is the marine industry’s first-ever shaft generator retrofit, and its successful completion will improve the vessel’s Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) while reducing overall carbon footprint.
Shaft generator systems onboard ships are driven by the main engine to supply power to the mains, thus saving fuel and emissions. They are sized to eliminate the need to operate auxiliary engines while at sea. While such systems, also referred to as Power Take-Off (PTO) systems, are today’s standard installations on newbuild vessels, large inline versions with the generator sitting directly on the propeller shaft and turning at 50 to 100 rpm have never before been retrofitted.
“Berge Bulk made an industry commitment to go carbon neutral well before the IMO’s plan, and we are installing now the latest fuel-saving technologies, like shaft generators, air lubrication, or wind propulsion on our vessels,” says Paolo Tonon, Berge Bulk’s Technical Director, “Wärtsilä has a proven track record and is one of the market leaders in shaft generator systems and electrical integration.”
“Berge Bulk is one of the front runners in shipping’s transition to decarbonised operations, and we are proud to support them in this. Wärtsilä is actively working on the development of new technologies that can be integrated into existing vessel systems to make their operations cleaner and more economical,” says Torsten Büssow, Director for Ship Electrification at Wärtsilä.
The retrofitted shaft generator will also provide power to an air lubrication system installed at the same time. The system includes a Wärtsilä control system, as well as a converter to allow the generator to operate over a broad span of rpm. The existing intermediate shaft and bearings were replaced to accommodate the increased weight.
Wärtsilä has successfully delivered more than 650 shaft generator systems and has over 50 years of experience in this field.
The ‘Berge Toubkal’ retrofit was completed in Q4 2022, following ten months of preparation time.
Latest News
LR and Marshall Islands certify Helm CONNECT electronic record books
(Posted on 14/11/25)Helm Operations has announced that nine electronic record books within Helm CONNECT Logbook have been... Read more
Sailors’ Society launches increased support for Chinese seafarers
(Posted on 13/11/25)International maritime welfare charity Sailors’ Society has announced a significant expansion... Read more
NORDEN signs two-year contract with US wood pellet producer
(Posted on 10/11/25)NORDEN has signed a two-year Contract of Affreightment (COA) with Enviva to transport a significant... Read more
Algoma reports strong core results and continued fleet growth
(Posted on 10/11/25)Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three and nine months ended 30 September... Read more
Damen unveils Combi Freighter 5000 ICE
(Posted on 10/11/25)Damen Shipyards Group has unveiled the latest platform in its successful cargo vessels portfolio. The... Read more
Wallem Group reaches a century in Hong Kong
(Posted on 04/11/25)Wallem Group, a leading global maritime partner, is celebrating the centenary of moving its headquarters... Read more
INTERCARGO celebrates record membership ahead of 45th Anniversary
(Posted on 04/11/25)The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) is marking its 45th anniversary in... Read more
NORDEN reports net profit of US$26m in Q3 2025
(Posted on 04/11/25)Net profit for the Group amounted to USD 26 million (DKK 166 million) in the third quarter of 2025,... Read more
ClassNK releases 'Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems (Edition 2.0)'
(Posted on 04/11/25)ClassNK has released 'Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems (Edition 2.0)' first in... Read more
InterManager urges Seafarer participation in Enclosed-Space Safety Survey
(Posted on 27/10/25)Following the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO’s) newly tightened rules on enclosed... Read more
