Arriva Shipping has awarded Berg Propulsion a second ‘Energy & Efficiency’ retrofit contract following a verified 10% fuel saving on the vessel Norjarl. The upcoming upgrade of the Norbris with MPC800 controls and Dynamic Drive underscores the viability of retrofitting older vessels to meet modern decarbonization standards.
Sweden | November 3, 2025 – Following a verified 10% reduction in fuel consumption on the general cargo vessel Norjarl, Norwegian shipowner Arriva Shipping has contracted Berg Propulsion for a second major ‘Energy & Efficiency’ retrofit. The new project will see the 4,183 gt carrier Norbris upgraded with the same state-of-the-art control technology to maintain its competitive edge in a low-carbon market.
The decision comes after months of rigorous performance monitoring in the North Sea and Baltic Sea. By upgrading the 2009-built Norjarl with Berg’s MPC800 control system and Dynamic Drive earlier this year, Arriva sought to optimize energy use at reduced operating speeds. The confirmed double-digit savings have now paved the way for the 2002-built Norbris to undergo a similar transformation.
Legacy Hulls, Modern Performance
The Norbris retrofit represents a significant technological jump, superseding older Berg ERC2000 technology to work in tandem with the ship’s MaK 6M32C engine. The integration of Dynamic Drive provides an economical yet highly flexible method for engine speed control, allowing older vessels to compete with modern tonnage.
“The Norjarl project showed the impact introducing state-of-the-art control technology could have when an existing ship is maintained to the highest standards,” said Paul Helland, Technical Manager at Arriva Shipping. “After verifying the gains, we move forward with Norbris.”
Extending the Lifecycle of the Pre-2010 Fleet
In an era of volatile fuel costs, emissions trading (EU ETS), and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings, these retrofits are becoming a strategic necessity for shipowners. Berg Propulsion’s solutions allow pre-2010 vessels to remain compliant and profitable without the capital expenditure of a newbuild.
“The Norjarl retrofit involved close collaboration through installation and performance evaluation,” noted Magnus Thorén, Energy & Efficiency Sales Manager at Berg Propulsion. “It is especially pleasing that the owner is confirming that the thinking behind the first project has been borne out by experience to drive a second.”
The project was supported locally by Saga Marine, Berg Propulsion’s representative in Norway. Eirik Lutnaes of Saga Marine highlighted that there are many high-quality ships currently in operation that can achieve cost-effective sustainability through modern drive technology.
Berg Propulsion: Engineering the Future of Marine Efficiency
Berg Propulsion is a premier global provider of marine propulsion solutions, specializing in advanced technologies, electrical integration, and energy efficiency for both commercial and naval sectors. With a deep legacy in maritime engineering, the company designs and manufactures controllable-pitch and fixed-pitch propellers, azimuth thrusters, and transverse thrusters, complemented by sophisticated vessel control and maneuvering systems.
As the maritime industry shifts toward decarbonization, Berg Propulsion leads through innovation, delivering high-performance solutions that optimize fuel consumption, enhance maneuverability, and support the transition to future fuels. The company is dedicated to providing adaptive propulsion systems that meet today’s operational demands while preparing vessels for the evolving requirements of the global fleet.
Operating state-of-the-art production facilities in Sweden, Berg Propulsion maintains a rigorous standard of quality and precision engineering. The brand’s global footprint is supported by direct sales and service hubs in China, Singapore, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside an extensive worldwide dealer network. This infrastructure ensures responsive, reliable support for shipowners and operators in every major maritime corridor.
By merging technical expertise with a customer-centric philosophy, Berg Propulsion continues to be a trusted partner for shipyards and operators worldwide. Whether through high-impact retrofits or cutting-edge newbuilds, Berg’s solutions empower vessels to achieve superior efficiency, reliability, and long-term performance.
Source: Berg Propulsion