Berg Propulsion CEO Stefan Sedersten is clear about the shifting economics of maritime technology. “The payback is often much quicker than before, which makes it easier to justify the investment decision,” he says, arguing that the long-debated spend-to-save mindset has finally taken root across global shipping.
Speaking to Maritime CEO, Sedersten describes an industry that is changing at unprecedented speed. Owners, once reluctant to commit capital to new systems, are now driven by a potent mix of higher fuel costs and tougher regulations. “We see more and more interest in new technologies not only for newbuilds but also for upgrading existing fleets with better control systems, hybrid solutions, optimised propellers—anything that cuts emissions and reduces operating costs,” he says.
Sedersten expects the next 12 months to bring further breakthroughs as efficiency, performance and reliability take centre stage. A surge in onboard technologies designed to cut energy consumption is already underway, while smarter control systems are emerging that automatically tune vessel performance in real time. “Control systems will get smarter, automatically adjusting to operating conditions so vessels run as efficiently as possible,” he says.
Connectivity is another area he sees gaining ground, allowing stakeholders to monitor performance and maintenance needs with far greater accuracy. But he stresses that digital access must be paired with robust cyber protections. “There is a need to balance data access with solutions that prevent cyber threats,” he warns.
Hybrid propulsion and electrification will accelerate too, particularly in short-sea and offshore segments. Remote monitoring—enabled by more sophisticated data analytics—is also set for a leap forward. “New tools for data analytics will accelerate the value of remote monitoring,” he says.
AI is becoming central to Berg Propulsion’s own operations. “Internally we are using AI as a tool for efficient and high-quality development and analytics,” Sedersten notes. The company is exploring how AI can help serve customers more effectively, especially as vessel performance datasets grow richer.
Still, he cautions against assuming data is valuable simply because it is abundant. “Data and dashboards without accurate and reliable conclusions are not very valuable,” he says. AI’s real promise lies in turning data into decisions—insights operators can use every day.
As technology evolves, so does Berg Propulsion’s skill base. Sedersten describes a workforce still rooted in propulsion engineering but now expanding into electrical integration, software development and digital services. “We’re bringing together mechanical know-how with new capabilities in data and systems integration,” he says.
Over the coming year, Berg Propulsion plans to unveil systems designed to help owners navigate the energy transition while maximising uptime. Expect advances in electrical integration, energy management and adaptive control technologies. “Our goal is to give customers reliable solutions for maximum efficiency that make their vessels ready for tomorrow,” Sedersten concludes.
Every week, Maritime CEO interviews top names in shipping. Check out the full interview archive here.
