Berge Bulk launches Berge Olympus with four wind-assisted WindWings

Berge Bulk launched its Newcastlemax bulker Berge Olympus fitted with four BARTech WindWings to cut emissions, saving an estimated 19.5 tonnes of CO2 daily. The wind-propulsion retrofit signals decarbonization options for shipping relevant to India's maritime trade and IMO compliance.

Berge Bulk introduced its Newcastlemax bulker Berge Olympus, fitted with four retrofitted BARTech WindWings developed by Yara Marine Technologies. Each WindWing spans 37.5 metres in height and 20 metres in width, with all four totalling 3,000 square metres of surface area. The vessel is poised to save 6 tonnes of fuel per day on standard global routes, cutting approximately 19.5 tonnes of daily CO2 emissions. A 1MW shaft generator system eliminates the need for auxiliary engines during sea voyages.

The dry bulk shipping sector is directly affected, with Berge Bulk operating a fleet of 85 vessels totalling 14 million deadweight tons. The Berge Olympus will operate between Brazil and China, a route with favourable wind conditions. The initiative aligns with the International Maritime Organization's objectives, including net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by 2050, and interim targets to reduce carbon intensity of international shipping by at least 20% by 2030 and 70% by 2040.

Indian shipping companies, exporters and ports should monitor wind-assisted propulsion as a retrofit pathway to meet tightening IMO carbon-intensity targets. Berge Bulk targets carbon neutrality by 2025 through its four-pillar 'Marshall Plan' covering fleet efficiency, maritime technologies, new fuels and carbon capture. WindWings can save up to 20% of fuel; Indian maritime stakeholders can track whether such technologies become viable on Indian trade routes with favourable wind conditions to reduce fuel costs and emissions.

Key figure — Daily CO2 reduction: approximately 19.5 tonnes (saving 6 tonnes of fuel per day)