Optimising Electric and Hybrid Propulsion Systems

Start with the Operational Profile

Most vessels are unique. Whether it’s a tugboat, offshore supply vessel, or cargo ship, a project must begin with a clear view of its operational profile. Where will the ship operate? What are the fuels and charging infrastructures like at the ports of call? What are the performance demands—bollard pull, cruising speed, or maneuvering ability?

Understanding these factors upfront helps tailor propulsion and energy systems to real-world conditions and ensures the vessel’s capabilities are well-aligned with its mission.

Integration Requires Collaboration

No single supplier can deliver a complete solution. Electric integration needs close cooperation between the shipowner, designer, engine and genset providers, automation suppliers, and propulsion system experts. A coordinated approach ensures that power management, energy storage, and control systems work in harmony.

Berg Propulsion positions itself as both propulsion expert and electrical integrator, bridging gaps between components to streamline design, installation, and commissioning phases.

The Case for Optimization

One of the strongest cost-saving measures is designing the vessel and propulsion equipment for lower power requirements, without compromising on the performance. Dombrowe underscores the value of optimized hulls and propellers: any power saving on the propeller will cascade through the entire system—enabling smaller electric motors, converters, switchboards, and batteries.

This isn’t just theory. In multiple projects, the investment in more efficient propulsion has paid off by reducing the size and cost of electrical components and improving CapEx and in turn also long-term OpEx and vessel sustainability.

Complexity Demands Simplicity

Modern integrated systems can be complex—but complexity must not burden the crew. User-centric control interfaces, such as Berg’s mode selector panel, are essential. They help crews easily visualize which engines, motors, and power sources are active, and crew can receive system recommendations to select the most efficient operating mode.

Crucially, Dombrowe advocates for assisted decision-making over full automation. In dynamic conditions—such as navigating tight spaces—crew input remains vital. Intelligent systems can guide but should not override human judgment.

Flexibility is Key

There’s no one-size-fits-all hybrid or electric solution. Depending on a vessel’s duty cycle, a hybrid system might combine main engines, gensets, batteries, or even sails. For example:

• Tugboats benefit from the ability to switch between genset power during standby or idling and full main engine + battery boost power during operations.
• RoRo vessels with sails may need electric-only propulsion at times, or have battery buffering capability to accommodate sail-assisted efficiency swings.
• Self-unloading cargo ships designed for the Great Lakes leveraged by using direct-drive electric propulsion and custom twin fin setups to maximize efficiency and cargo space.

Plan for the Future, But Ground in Reality

While the ideal setup may include green fuels, shore power, and fuel cells, Dombrowe cautions that infrastructure may lag. Hybrid designs should work today, but also remain adaptable for future upgrades. Battery installations, for example, must be right-sized—not just for compliance, but for real return on investment.

Final Word

Electric system integration isn’t just about swapping engines for batteries. It’s a system-level design exercise that blends hydrodynamics, electrical engineering, and operational insight. As Dombrowe puts it, “The most successful projects are the ones that start from scratch—not trying to adapt yesterday’s designs for tomorrow’s challenges.”

At Berg Propulsion, the focus is clear: build smarter ships, from the ground up, that are efficient, reliable, and ready for the future.