- BERG Propulsion is pioneering climate-neutral propeller shafts using GreenForge® steel, which cuts CO₂ emissions by 95% through renewable electricity and biogas.
- Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA) will integrate these shafts into three low-emission Ro-Ro vessels with wind-assisted and hybrid propulsion, entering service in 2026.
- The EU’s ‘Clean Industrial Deal’ is accelerating green steel adoption. Björneborg Steel aims for full GreenForge® production by 2027, making sustainable steel more cost-effective.
BERG Propulsion is setting a new benchmark in the shipping industry by introducing the first-ever climate-neutral propeller shafts. Utilizing the innovative GreenForge® process, BERG offers a sustainable alternative to traditional steel production, aligning with the maritime sector’s urgent need to reduce carbon emissions amid rising carbon pricing.
Louis Dreyfus Armateurs’ Commitment to Low-Emission Shipping
Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA) is leading the way in sustainable maritime transport with three new Ro-Ro vessels designed for low-emission transatlantic operations. Scheduled to enter service in 2026, these vessels will incorporate wind-assisted propulsion through rotor sails, hybrid propulsion systems, and advanced power management technology from BERG Propulsion. First, the industry will feature propeller shafts made from recycled scrap steel, produced through Björneborg Steel’s climate-neutral GreenForge® process.
The GreenForge® Process: A Breakthrough in Steelmaking
Björneborg Steel’s GreenForge® process redefines steel manufacturing by utilizing renewable electricity and replacing conventional propane with fossil-free biogas alternatives like rDME or bio-propane. This method significantly reduces CO2 emissions by 95% compared to conventional production, with the remaining emissions fully offset to achieve climate neutrality. By manufacturing six propeller shafts for LDA using GreenForge®, CO2 emissions will be reduced by an estimated 160 tonnes.
Delivering the World’s First Climate-Neutral Propeller Shaft
The first climate-neutral propeller shaft for LDA is scheduled for delivery to BERG Propulsion’s Hönö facility in Sweden in March 2025, with five additional shafts arriving by June. This milestone marks a major step towards sustainable shipping and reinforces BERG’s leadership in maritime innovation.
The Role of Policy and Market Trends in Green Steel Adoption
The European Union’s ‘Clean Industrial Deal’ is accelerating the shift toward renewable energy and clean technology investments. Stricter regulations on industrial CO2 emissions will further incentivize climate-neutral steel production, enhancing the competitive advantage of processes like GreenForge®. As carbon emission rights are phased out, steel manufacturers must transition to sustainable methods or face increasing costs. By 2030, Björneborg Steel anticipates that emission-free steelmaking will be more cost-effective than conventional techniques.
Industry Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
BERG Propulsion’s Operations Director, Kajsa de Mello, highlights the significance of this initiative, stating that the adoption of GreenForge® technology places BERG at the forefront of sustainability in maritime propulsion. Björneborg Steel’s CEO, Håkan Dedorsson, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of industry-wide collaboration in achieving long-term sustainability goals. With plans to transition its entire production to GreenForge® by 2027, Björneborg Steel is committed to driving the adoption of carbon-neutral steel solutions across industries.
This groundbreaking shift in steel manufacturing is poised to redefine maritime sustainability, offering shipbuilders and equipment manufacturers a viable path toward reducing carbon footprints while securing a competitive edge in the evolving regulatory landscape.
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Source: BERG Propulsion
