As the world focuses on the urgent need to reduce energy consumption and transition toward renewable fuels, Bergen Engines is proud to announce our latest partnership with FME MarTrans, marking a significant step toward realizing this vision.

Since our inception in 1943, Bergen Engines has continually evolved to stay ahead of the ever-changing market. Our ability to anticipate, develop, and construct engines with low-emission technologies at the forefront of our design remains unmatched. With a global presence and a portfolio of references touching all continents, our commitment to reliability has solidified our position as a leading producer of medium-speed engines.

In the journey toward a greener future, one that drives a tangible shift, collaboration is key. In FME MarTrans, we stand proudly alongside esteemed partners in shipping, shipbuilding, technology suppliers, ports, classification societies and more, united in our dedication to a greener tomorrow.

What is FME MarTrans?

FME stands for the Norwegian Center for Environmentally Friendly Energy Research. The FME Maritime Energy Transition center (MarTrans) represents an 8-year collaboration involving 65 partners spanning the maritime industry and research sector. This center is dedicated to researching, innovating, and educating to accelerate the energy transition in the shipping industry.

Backed by funding exceeding 300 million NOK from the Research Council of Norway, this initiative stands as the world’s largest maritime research program of its kind.

Trond Vikan Johnsen, the Center’s Director, emphasized, “Shipping is well on its way to the green shift. Local pollution has significantly decreased, and major reductions have been achieved in climate emissions per transported item over the past decade. With growing demand for transportation and an ambition to reach zero emissions by 2050, we still have major challenges ahead of us.”

FME MarTrans Focus:

Did you know the maritime sector accounts for 9% of Norway’s greenhouse gas emissions and 12% of global transport emissions? Addressing this is a top priority for the center through four key challenges.

1. Environmentally Friendly Fuel
   Future fuels are projected to be both expensive and scarce, underscoring the urgent need for drastic reductions in consumption through enhanced energy efficiency.
2. Energy Systems Onboard
   To utilize new energy carriers safely and efficiently, onboard systems must undergo further development.
3. Availability of Fuels
   Making green fuels accessible requires the establishment of supply chains and the development of new port infrastructure.
4. Support and Integration
   For a sustainable transition to succeed, new technology must be complemented with expertise in business models, environmental implications, regulatory compliance, and seamless integration into energy systems.

Why Norway?

The maritime industry stands as one of Norway’s largest export sectors, supporting 90,000 jobs and generating an annual value creation exceeding 150 billion NOK. Norway boasts the fifth-largest shipping fleet worldwide, positioning the center to hold a significant influence on the industry.

Norway is at the forefront of firm, ambitious targets for their vessels. In 2022, it was announced that the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association had set a target of 50% GHG cuts for vessels by 2030, with an aim for the entire Norwegian oceangoing fleet to be climate neutral by 2050.

The country also boasts innovative research capabilities, including the Norwegian Ocean Technology Centre. This state-of-the-art research facility, currently under construction in Trondheim, will serve as the premier research infrastructure for model-scale testing of ships and energy systems. Its phased implementation during the initial years of FME MarTrans will offer researchers invaluable opportunities to optimize ship technologies and operations.

© SINTEF

Leading the Way, Together

As FME MarTrans prepares to formally establish itself in the autumn of 2024, Bergen Engines looks ahead with optimism. Together with our partners, we are not merely envisioning a greener future for shipping, we are actively shaping it. Have a look below at who is joining us on the journey.

Research institutions: SINTEF Ocean, SINTEF Energy, SINTEF Industry, SINTEF Ålesund, NTNU, NHH, UiT, Chalmers (SE), DTU (DK), VTT (FI), IIASA (AUT), NTUA (GRE).

Industry and public partners: Amon Maritime, AQS, Bergen Engines, Brunvoll, Corvus, DNV, Eitzen Rederi, Elinett, Fjord Base, Fjuel, Frøy, Gard, Gasnor, GC Rieber Shipping, Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation, Glocal green, GreenH, Grieg Star, HAV Group, Havila Shipping, Hydrogenious, Hyds, Höegh Autoliners, Island Offshore, Jotun, K.G. Jebsen Skipsrederi, Klaveness, Kongsberg, Kristiansand Havn, Miljødirektoratet, Moen Marin, Marine and Port Authorities of Singapore, Narvik Havn, Navtor, North Sea Container Line, Norske Havner, Oslo Havn, Plug, Rederiforbundet, SFL Corp, Sirius Design & Integration, Sjøfartsdirektoratet, Skarv Shipping Solutions, Solvang, Teco2030, Trondheim Havn, Trøndelag fylkeskommune, Ulmatec Pyro, Ulstein, Utkilen, Vard Group, Yara Marine, Østensjø Rederi

FOR MEDIA REQUESTS
Jordan Paquet
Jordan.paquet@bergenengines.com

ABOUT BERGEN ENGINES
Bergen Engines produces medium-speed liquid and gas fueled engines and generator sets are supplied to a broad range of land-based, commercial marine, and naval applications. The Bergen name is a watchword for quality and reliability in its field.

The tradition of engineering in Bergen, Norway, dates to 1855 when the original company Bergen Mekaniske Verksted (BMV) was founded. In 1946, the company built its first diesel engine and has since commissioned over 7,500 of its iconic liquid and gas fueled engines. Around half of them are still in operation today; such is the quality and reliability of a Bergen engine.

Formerly Rolls-Royce Bergen Engines, on 31st December 2021, the company became part of the privately owned British engineering group, Langley Holdings plc