Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Industrial  -  August 13, 2024

Berge Bulk Adopts Decarb Technology

Berge Bulk, an independent dry bulk owner, announced the company will decarbonize its vessels with a dynamic voyage optimization platform.

The company adopted the platform created by Sofar Ocean, a San Francisco-based maritime technology company. Sofar's Wayfinder platform will help Berge Bulk use its software to save fuel, time and emissions, supporting the carrier's "Maritime Marshall Plan" decarbonization strategy.  

Wayfinder leverages accurate marine weather forecasts powered by Sofar's global network of ocean sensors, as well as data-driven vessel performance models that are continuously calibrated using the best available weather and vessel data.

"Using innovative technology to boost vessel efficiency is key to our 'Maritime Marshall Plan' for decarbonization," said James Marshall, founder and CEO of Berge Bulk, in a statement. "Sofar's Wayfinder helps us understand fleet performance and importantly improves the vessels route optimization as we aim for a zero-emissions fleet."

Berge Bulk's adoption of Wayfinder is the latest in a series of decarbonization initiatives aimed at achieving zero Scope 1 emissions fleetwide by 2050.

In the past year, Berge Bulk has equipped two ships — Newcastlemax vessel Berge Olympus and Valemax carrier Berge Neblina — with wind propulsion technology. Wayfinder is used on both sail-assisted vessels to maximize the benefits of the sails on efficiency. As Berge Bulk outfits more vessels with wind propulsion and invests in additional decarbonization initiatives like alternative fuels, it will utilize Wayfinder to help measure and optimize the performance of each new technology.