The NCL Nordland and Vestland have entered service, featuring an integrated Berg Propulsion package that reduces energy use by 63% per TEU. Utilizing a hybrid electric setup and bio-methanol fuel, these MPCC-owned vessels represent the next generation of low-carbon container shipping.
Sweden | June 2, 2025 – Following the successful launch of the Vestland, its sister vessel NCL Nordland has officially entered service, marking a major milestone for MPC Container Ships (MPCC) and North Sea Container Line (NCL). Both 1,300 TEU vessels are designed to champion bio-methanol as a primary fuel source, with a total propulsion package from Berg Propulsion that has already demonstrated exceptional efficiency across multiple energy sources.
The dual-fuel vessels, currently on a 15-year charter connecting Norway and Rotterdam, are pioneering competitive green fuel strategies. By optimizing the ship’s design and propulsion chain, these vessels have achieved a staggering 63% reduction in energy use per TEU per nautical mile compared to previous models.
Integrated Energy Management & Hybridization
The heart of these vessels lies in Berg’s sophisticated electrical system integration. The setup features a “hybridized” configuration that intelligently manages power from:
- Two-stroke main engines and shaft alternators.
- Auxiliary gensets.
- A 250 kWh battery pack for load balancing during peak thruster use.
- Shore-power connectors for zero-emission port stays.
“This is next-level energy management,” said Mattias Dombrowe, Business Manager, Electric System Integration at Berg. “The hybridized setup mixes and matches energy sources to the best advantage of ship performance, whether balancing loads during peak thruster operations or utilizing shore power.”
Precision Engineering for Compact Spaces
The project required Berg to act as a co-designer, configuring a compact engine room layout to enable a more streamlined and high-performance aft ship design. The tailored package includes the MPP 1410 Controllable Pitch Propeller and MTT bow and stern thrusters.
“Berg Propulsion and partners managed to develop, build, and integrate complex systems despite the inherent challenges of newbuilding projects,” commented Christian Rychly, COO of MPC Container Ships. “We thank them for their cooperation in turning high-end technological philosophies into fully functional machinery.”
Stakeholder Collaboration for Green Freight
North Sea Container Line – NCL has partnered with Equinor to secure a bio-methanol supply, beginning with a 5% blend and scaling up as the supply chain matures. This collaborative effort ensures that decarbonization remains cost-effective, positioning “green freight” as the preferred choice for cargo owners.
“Nordland and Vestland establish MPCC as an early mover in green fuel strategies,” added Constantin Baack, CEO of MPCC. “This project shows how we meet ambitious goals by working with like-minded partners.”
About Berg Propulsion: Optimizing Vessel Performance
Berg Propulsion is a premier global provider of marine propulsion solutions, specializing in advanced technologies, electrical integration, and energy efficiency. From its state-of-the-art production facilities in Sweden to its global service hubs in Singapore, China, and the UAE, Berg delivers high-performance solutions, including controllable-pitch propellers and azimuth thrusters, that help the maritime industry transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Source: Berg Propulsion