BERG Launches First GreenForge Propeller Shafts for Maritime Industry
BERG Propulsion has unveiled the world’s first propeller shafts made using the climate-neutral GreenForge® production process. This significant innovation comes at a time when the shipping industry is facing mounting pressure due to expected carbon pricing and the global push for sustainability.
The GreenForge® process, which is transforming the way maritime components are manufactured, was developed by Björneborg Steel in Sweden. The technology utilises renewable electricity and incorporates fossil-free biogas, such as rDME or bio-propane, as an alternative to traditional propane. By reducing 95% of the carbon emissions associated with conventional manufacturing methods, GreenForge® ensures a climate-neutral production process, offering a sustainable alternative to the maritime industry, which has been increasingly focused on reducing its carbon footprint. BERG’s commitment to sustainability is highlighted by its collaboration with Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA), a leading shipping company. The first set of propeller shafts, which are to be used in LDA’s new fleet of roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessels, are already in production. These ships, set to operate by 2026, will carry aircraft parts across the Atlantic and will be powered by a hybrid propulsion system, rotor sails harnessing wind power, and advanced control technologies supplied by BERG.
The propeller shafts supplied by BERG will be manufactured using recycled scrap steel, contributing to reducing the industry’s reliance on virgin materials. The move is seen as a step forward in maritime sustainability, as the shipping industry grapples with both environmental concerns and the rising costs of fossil-based fuel production. In total, the GreenForge® process will reduce the production of six propeller shafts by approximately 160 tonnes of CO2 compared to conventional methods. According to officials at BERG, this initiative demonstrates the company’s leadership in sustainable shipping technology. “We are proud to be the first supplier in the world to offer propeller shafts produced using the GreenForge® process,” said a spokesperson from BERG Propulsion. “This collaboration with Sweden’s cutting-edge steel industry is an important milestone for both BERG and the wider maritime industry. The first climate-neutral propeller shaft for LDA is expected to be delivered by March 2025, with the remaining shafts arriving by June of the same year.”
In addition to reducing emissions, the GreenForge® process has a wider impact on the European steel industry. The EU’s Clean Industrial Deal and new policies that penalise CO2 emissions are driving a shift towards climate-neutral production processes. This policy change is expected to make climate-neutral steel more cost-competitive with conventional steel, which could significantly alter the landscape of global maritime production. By 2030, the cost of emission-free steel production is expected to be cheaper than traditional methods, creating a competitive advantage for companies like BERG and Björneborg Steel that are ahead of the curve. The new GreenForge® technology has positioned BERG and its partners as trailblazers in the push towards decarbonising the maritime industry. “While carbon-neutral steel is currently priced at a premium, it offers a vital pathway for marine equipment buyers to mitigate the rising costs of fossil-based production,” said the spokesperson. “We are proud to lead the way in sustainable innovation, ensuring that the maritime industry can meet its future environmental challenges.”Björneborg Steel, in its efforts to ramp up production, has highlighted the importance of biogas availability for the success of GreenForge® technology. With a growing focus on green technology, the company is optimistic about scaling its operations to meet the needs of the maritime sector and beyond.
As the maritime industry moves towards greener alternatives, BERG’s launch of the first GreenForge® propeller shafts marks a significant step in reducing the carbon footprint of the global shipping industry. By embracing renewable technologies and pioneering climate-neutral production processes, BERG and its partners are setting a strong example of how industries can transition to more sustainable practices.
