| At Sea., Press Releases
Bergen, Norway – Bergen Engines and STADT Naval announce a new partnership to deliver a fully integrated, Norwegian-developed diesel-electric propulsion system designed for modern naval vessels. The collaboration brings together Bergen Engines’ B33:45 medium-speed gensets and STADT Naval’s Lean Propulsion technology, forming a scalable solution that prioritizes reliability, endurance, and low acoustic signature.
Integrated Power
The new propulsion system brings together proven elements from both companies: Bergen Engines’ experience in reliable power generation and STADT’s background in electric propulsion and system integration. The design is produced entirely within Norway and Europe, ensuring supply chain control and independence from rare-earth materials, a growing concern for defense operators seeking secure, domestic manufacturing capacity.
The modular IEP system can be configured for vessels of different size and mission types, from patrol and coastguard ships to frigates and large auxiliaries. Using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and long service intervals, the system is designed to simplify logistics and reduce through-life costs, a key factor for shipyards and navies planning long-term fleet operations.
Bergen B33:45
At the heart of the IEP lies the Bergen B33:45 genset series. Each unit delivers between 3.5 and 5.4 megawatts, balancing output with high fuel efficiency and robust mechanical design. Its modular construction supports maintenance schedules of up to 25,000 operating hours, which translates to fewer overhauls and more availability during extended missions.
Looking ahead, the Bergen B33:45 is prepared for fuel flexibility. The liquid-fueled genset can run on traditional diesel or sustainable biofuels, while the company is currently developing a solution for methanol to align with NATO and IMO emission goals and maintain their trusted performance.
Quiet Operation and Proven Stealth
STADT Naval’s Lean Propulsion and VariGrid technologies remove the electrical switching noise found in most conventional systems, significantly reducing both energy loss and underwater radiated noise. The result is a propulsion setup that operates quietly enough to support stealth-dependent missions. Tests carried out with the Norwegian Defence Material Agency and Ministry of Defence have confirmed the system’s low-signature performance in naval conditions.
In recognition of its technical contribution, STADT Naval received the RINA Maritime Innovation Award 2023, highlighting the system’s potential to redefine efficiency and acoustic discretion in naval propulsion.
Prepared for the Next Generation
The integrated design offers more than propulsion efficiency. The system can provide the electrical headroom needed for directed-energy weapons, electromagnetic sensors, and other high-power systems expected in next-generation surface combatants.
This capacity positions the IEP as a foundation for warships now entering design phases across NATO and allied fleets.
Proven Technology, Norwegian Control
Both partners bring extensive naval experience. STADT’s electric propulsion systems are already operating with the Norwegian, Swedish, Polish, and Spanish navies, while Bergen Engines supplies medium-speed power solutions to over ten naval fleets worldwide. Together, they deliver a sovereign, fully Norwegian propulsion solution, backed by lifecycle support from established facilities along Norway’s west coast.
For shipyards and defense operators, the partnership represents a dependable alternative to non-European propulsion sources. Bergen Engines and STADT Naval combine industrial independence, field-proven reliability, and readiness for the technological demands of tomorrow’s fleets.
