In this conversation, Amrita Singh, Account Manager – New Sales at Berg Propulsion, shares her views on how shipowners approach propulsion decisions.

In recent years, Berg Propulsion has deepened its collaboration with shipowners across the world, including the long-standing relationship with Nakkaş Shipping. When asked what keeps owners coming back, Amrita Singh is very clear. Shipowners, she says, are not looking for vendors anymore. They are looking for partners. And that is the philosophy Berg has consistently followed.

Shipowners face varied operating conditions

According to her; shipowners today face highly varied operating conditions. Their vessels may be moving from coastal trades to longervoyages, or operating under different draft and cargo realities. A propulsion system that works only in ideal test conditions is of little help. It must deliver reliable performance every single day. In the case of Nakkaş Shipping, Amrita points out that their vessels operate under changing drafts and frequent manoeuvring situations. Berg systems have repeatedly shown strength in such environments by delivering both fuel efficiency and consistent durability. This trust deepens because Berg stays connected to the vessel long after delivery through remote diagnostics, service support and crew training. As she puts it, “We walk with the shipowner throughout the life of the vessel.” Amrita also sees a distinct shift in the way shipowners approach propulsion decisions. Earlier, the discussion revolved around horsepower and capital cost. Today, the focus is on the entire lifecycle. Owners want systems that perform across the vessel’s real operating profile. They want predictability in maintenance and readiness for fuels of the future. She highlights that the growing interest in methanol, biofuels and ammonia is making flexibility and upgradabilityessential features of modern propulsion. At the same time, digital integration is becoming central to how owners manage vessels. “A propulsion system today,” she notes, “must be ready for a world where fuels, regulations and commercial expectations can change within a single vessel’s lifespan.”

Multiple fuel pathways advancing

Looking back at the broader evolution of the propulsion industry, Amrita describes a journey that has moved through several stages. Earlier decades focused on strength and robustness. Then efficiency became the priority as fuel costs climbed. The digitalisation wave followed, allowing owners to see, monitor and tune performance in real time. Today, the industry stands at the beginning of a fuel transition era that is reshaping every aspect of propulsion design. Multiple fuel pathways are advancing at the same time. Power systems must blend mechanical reliability with hybrid capability. Vessel designers are relying on advanced hydrodynamic tools and digital twins. Propulsion, she says, has become an integrated energy system rather than a purely mechanical component. In this fast-evolving landscape, Amrita explains that Berg Propulsion has taken a pragmatic approach based on adaptability. Many shipowners are now ordering methanol-ready or ammonia-ready vessels, and Berg works closely with engine suppliers, designers and class societies to ensure that shaft lines and control systems are prepared for these changes. The company has also invested significantly in hybrid solutions so vessels can rely on stored energy during manoeuvring or while operating in emissions-sensitive zones. “Our aim is not to push any single pathway,” she says. “It is to give owners confidence that their vessel can evolve with the industry.”

Market forces becoming increasingly influential

Amrita believes that innovation in the coming years will be shaped equally by regulation and commercial pressures. While regulatory timelines matter, market forces are becoming increasingly influential. Charterers, financiers and even cargo owners are beginning to reward vessels with lower carbon intensity. With emissions performance starting to affect freight economics, owners who invest early in future-ready propulsion will stay competitively ahead. She expects major advancements in hydrodynamic design, smarter control systems that adjust to real-time conditions, and wider integration of battery and shore power systems. In this future, propulsion becomes a strategic differentiator. Her message to shipowners planning investments for the next decade is consistent and direct. A vessel must be viewed as an energy ecosystem, not a collection of components. Owners should choose partners who can guide them through uncertainty, support them throughout the vessel’s life, and offer systems that combine reliability, efficiency and adaptability. Only then can propulsion investments stand the test of time. Amrita also reflects on Berg’s growing engagement with India, which she sees as a rising force in the global maritime sector. Indian shipowners, she says, are extremely pragmatic. They want technology that improves operational reliability and offers measurable value. Berg has been steadily strengthening its presence by expanding service coverage, building local technical skills and working closely with shipyards and designers. India is also becoming a Centre for crew training and operational excellence, which fits naturally with Berg’s lifecycle support philosophy. “India is not just a high-potential market for us,” she says. “It is an important long-term partner in our global service and innovation network.”