BERG Propulsion has secured a contract to provide hybrid propulsion systems for three wind-assisted ro-ro vessels operated by Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA).
These vessels, designed by Deltamarin and constructed by China’s Wuchang Shipbuilding, will transport Airbus A320 subassemblies from France to the United States starting in 2026. The design aims to halve fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to 2023 levels.
The ships will utilize six Flettner rotor-sails for wind assistance, supplemented by dual fuel methanol engines for conventional propulsion, with performance optimized by BERG’s integrated power management and propulsion systems.
The system allows independent or simultaneous operation of main engines and electric motors, enabling efficient adaptation to operational needs. As informed, the propulsion system features multiple modes to enhance efficiency, including feathering propellers when wind power is utilized.
Crew continuously optimize efficiency using the flexibility available to the propulsion control unit, rather than being limited by the predetermined relationships between engine load and specific fuel oil consumption
… said Mattias Dombrowe, Business Manager – Electrical System Integration, BERG Propulsion
