Revolutionizing the Shipping Industry with Climate-Neutral Propeller Shafts

Swedish marine propeller systems manufacturer Berg Propulsion has introduced a groundbreaking innovation to the shipping industry by unveiling the industry’s first propeller shafts made of climate-neutral steel. This milestone achievement marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future for maritime transportation.

Partnering with the French maritime company Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA), Berg Propulsion has secured a contract to supply six propeller shafts crafted from recycled scrap steel. These eco-friendly propeller shafts will be utilized in three roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels scheduled for construction by China’s CSSC Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group, with delivery expected in 2026.

The environmentally conscious vessels will feature Norsepower rotor sails and Wärtsilä’s dual-fuel engines running on maritime diesel oil and e-methanol. Berg Propulsion will provide the hybrid propulsion, power management, and control technology for the ships, ensuring optimal performance with minimal environmental impact.

Construction on the first low-carbon RoRo unit began at the shipyard in October 2024, setting the stage for a new era of sustainable maritime transportation.

The propeller shafts are manufactured using the innovative GreenForge production process developed by Björneborg Steel. This cutting-edge process utilizes renewable electricity sources and fossil-free biogas rDME or bio-propane instead of propane, resulting in a significant reduction of CO2 emissions compared to conventional production methods.

Björneborg Steel estimates that producing the six propeller shafts for LDA using the GreenForge process will reduce 160 tonnes of CO2 emissions, showcasing the environmental benefits of this sustainable manufacturing approach.

“BERG is delighted to pioneer the use of maritime GreenForge and offer customers propeller shafts made through this innovative process. We are proud to lead the way in providing low-emission solutions for the shipping industry,” stated Kajsa de Mello, Operations Director at Berg Propulsion.

The first climate-neutral propeller shaft for LDA is set for delivery from Björneborg Steel to the Berg plant in Sweden by March, with additional units scheduled to arrive by June 2025. This milestone aligns with the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal, which aims to promote sustainability and incentivize the adoption of renewable energy technologies in European industries.

With penalties looming for CO2 emissions in the industry, the transition to climate-neutral processes like GreenForge is becoming increasingly essential for manufacturers. Björneborg Steel anticipates that emission-free processes will become more cost-effective than traditional methods by 2030, driving the adoption of sustainable practices in the steel industry.

“The sustainability case for carbon-neutral steel is compelling, and its use will offer marine equipment buyers a path to reduce production costs and environmental impact,” added de Mello.

“We are committed to ramping up production based on the GreenForge process and look forward to supporting Berg’s customers in making environmentally conscious choices for the future,” noted Håkan Dedorsson, CEO of Björneborg Steel.

As demand for sustainable solutions grows, Björneborg Steel aims to transition its entire production to the GreenForge process by 2027, signaling a shift towards greener practices in the maritime industry.