Key Takeaways
- Berge Bulk has harvested 1.2 metric tonnes of vegetables in 2024 using hydroponic systems installed across 75 vessels.
- The initiative supports crew wellbeing, waste reduction, and environmental goals under the company’s YouMatter and Blue Matters campaigns.
- The hydroponic systems grow a variety of herbs and vegetables, including lettuce, cherry tomatoes, basil, and chili.
- The program has contributed to a 12% reduction in food waste per vessel compared to a 2021 baseline.
- Crew engagement is supported by competitions and an online community for recipe sharing and growing tips.
Berge Bulk Expands Shipboard Hydroponics to Boost Sustainability and Wellbeing
Fleetwide Initiative Shows Results in 2024
Berge Bulk has announced that its hydroponics program—launched in 2019 to enhance crew welfare and sustainability—has yielded over 1.2 metric tonnes of fresh produce in 2024 alone. The program, developed in collaboration with Aerospring Hydroponics, now spans 75 vessels and includes 150 hydroponic systems.
The soil-free systems allow crew members to grow vegetables and herbs such as lettuce, cherry tomatoes, capsicum, chili, basil, and rosemary. This onboard cultivation helps reduce reliance on external food supply chains while improving the onboard environment for seafarers.
Berge Bulk Crew Engagement and Operational Impact
Food Waste Reduction and Meal Quality Improvements
According to Berge Bulk, the program supports nearly 2 million crew meals served annually and is contributing to a measurable drop in food-related waste. By the end of 2024, the company reported a 12% reduction in food waste per vessel compared to 2021—surpassing its target of a 10% reduction by the end of 2025.
Michael Blanding, Head of Sustainability & Communications at Berge Bulk, highlighted additional environmental benefits: “Growing our own produce means we’re using less plastic packaging and avoiding emissions from food transport.”
Crew members, particularly Messmen and Chief Cooks, maintain the systems and have formed an internal network to exchange photos, tips, and recipes. The initiative is also part of the company’s YouMatter wellbeing program and Blue Matters sustainability campaign.
Onboard Participation and Competitions Strengthen Adoption
Berge Bulk’s Crew-Driven Success and Community Building
To encourage participation across its global fleet, Berge Bulk runs hydroponics competitions focused on output and creativity. In 2024, vessels such as Berge Phan Xi Pang (124 kg harvested) and Berge Olympus (88 kg harvested) were among the top performers.
Captain Noli Paraunda shared, “Watching plants grow from seed to harvest on board is incredibly fulfilling. It’s refreshing, therapeutic, and brings our team together.”
In addition to growing produce, crews engage in recipe creation, sharing culinary innovations that incorporate fresh hydroponic ingredients.
