Electrical System Integration – One vessel. One integrated solution.
Electrical System Integration: Designing the Vessel as One System
A vessel is more than a collection of individual systems. Power generation, electrical distribution, automation and propulsion all influence how efficiently and reliably the vessel performs. Getting the most out of each therefore means looking beyond individual components and considering how the complete system works together.
At Berg Propulsion, this is at the heart of our approach to Electrical System Integration. With our background in propeller and propulsion technology, we understand one of the largest consumers of power onboard: the main propulsion system. This provides an important foundation for designing an electrical system around the actual needs and operation of the vessel.
Start with the vessel’s operation
Effective system integration starts long before equipment is selected.
Early involvement gives us the opportunity to understand the vessel’s operational profile, as well as the requirements, restrictions and limitations that will influence its design. From there, the electrical and propulsion systems can be developed around how the vessel is actually expected to operate.
The objective is to create the right balance between how power is produced and how it is consumed. Rather than optimizing individual parts in isolation, the focus is on the performance of the complete system and the value it can deliver throughout the vessel’s operation.
Making electrical and propulsion systems work in unison
Propulsion represents a major part of the vessel’s power demand. This makes the relationship between the electrical system and propulsion train particularly important.
Within Berg, our electrical integration and propulsion competencies work closely together as one team. By combining knowledge of electrical systems with propulsion equipment and propeller design, the complete system can be fine-tuned for the vessel and its specific operating profile.
This integrated approach allows us to consider both sides of the energy equation — from power production to power consumption — while also addressing the efficiency of the propulsion train.
Bringing complexity together through automation
Modern vessel systems are increasingly complex. As more functions become electrically integrated, automation plays an important role in bringing the different parts of the system together.
Instead of treating automation, electrical equipment and propulsion as separate functions, they can be considered as parts of the same operating system. The result is a solution designed around how the vessel and its crew need to work.
For Berg, taking responsibility across both electrical and mechanical deliveries creates the opportunity to look at the complete chain rather than optimizing one component at the expense of another.
The freedom to select the right solution
No two vessels have exactly the same requirements.
A tugboat and a RoPax vessel, for example, operate very differently and place different demands on their onboard systems. This is why flexibility in equipment selection is an important part of Berg’s approach.
Working with a network of established suppliers and partners gives us the freedom to select equipment according to the requirements of each application. Instead of being limited to one predefined combination of components, we can look for the best fit in terms of reliability, cost, size and performance.
At the same time, the components selected for a Berg Propulsion system must meet the quality standards expected of the Berg brand.
One team, from the early stage
Ultimately, successful integration comes back to collaboration.
By becoming involved early, we can work together with shipowners and yards to understand where they want to go and tailor a solution around the vessel’s requirements. Internally, Berg’s different functions are integrated rather than working separately, allowing electrical and propulsion expertise to contribute towards the same objective.
The goal is straightforward: to deliver a solution that provides value over the long term.
Because in the end, success is not measured by an individual component. It is measured by the vessel — performing well, doing its job and living up to the customer’s expectations.
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For further discussion on Electrical System Integration, please contact:
Business Manager . Electrical System Integration
Email: Mattias.Dombrowe@bergpropulsion.com