MS Berna - New motorisation
Hybrid energy and drive system
Project description
The MS Berna, with a capacity of up to 600 passengers, was put into service in 1964 to replace the steamship "Berna". The manufacturing company was the ÖSWAG shipyard in Linz.
In 2019, Shiptec was commissioned to equip the MV Berna with an innovative and environmentally friendly diesel-electric drive and batteries. The proven Shiptec/Siemens serial hybrid system was used. Power is generated by 2 generators with 135kW and 180kW. They supply the Siemens electric motors, which have a drive power of 180kW each, the lithium-ion batteries (85kWh) and the remaining consumers on board with energy.
The conversion work on the MS Berna was completed on schedule. After intensive commissioning, the ship was able to start sailing in mid-May with the modernised propulsion technology. Thanks to the conversion, the ship will be able to save up to 18% fuel in the future and thus pollute the environment less with CO2.