Ship Technology Global Excellence Awards 2025: Becker Marine Systems

Henning Kuhlmann, managing director of Becker Marine Systems, shares how the company’s award-winning innovations – from hydrodynamic components to wind-assisted propulsion solutions – are shaping the future of greener shipping.

In this exclusive interview with Ship Technology Global, Kuhlmann discusses the challenges of adapting technology for diverse vessel needs, the importance of industry collaboration, and Becker’s vision for leading the sector in manoeuvring and energy-saving technologies. 

Becker Marine Systems was a recipient of two awards in the 2025 Ship Technology Excellence Awards.

Henning Kuhlmann: We are very glad to receive these awards. They show that our efforts to develop new products to improve the environmental footprint of shipping are recognised within the industry.

HK: For nearly 80 years, we have developed high-efficiency rudders. For over 20 years, we have invested in the development of hydrodynamic components in order to improve the efficiency of seagoing vessels and, with this, reduce emissions.

In 2002, we introduced rudder systems with an asymmetrical leading edge to reduce propulsion losses. In the meantime, this invention has become a standard on many vessels. 

In 2008, we offered a new type of energy-saving device (Becker Mewis Duct/Becker Twisted Fin), a pre-swirl duct that is installed in front of the propeller and improves the performance of the ship by up to 8%, depending on the type of vessel.

We originally explored wingsail designs, but ultimately concentrated on daggerboards because they better match our expertise in underwater hydrodynamics and propulsion systematics. The daggerboard was developed to make the best use of sail-assisted propulsion. Vessels behave differently with sails deployed, and daggerboards counteract the additional side forces, so ships sail more controlled and more efficiently.

HK: The manoeuvring behaviour of ships is a complex issue. One cannot just change one technical feature without influencing another. Therefore, we have to take a much more holistic view of ships, and we are even developing our own software for layout and prediction. Our almost 80 years of experience with all kinds of vessels was extremely helpful.

HK: Wind-assisted propulsion systems will continue to develop in the marine world. It will not be the solution for all vessels in the world, but it will find a strong place in shipping. With a clear focus on the future, BMS will continue to explore and develop solutions for the efficient operation of wind-assisted vessels.

This will definitely include closer cooperation with makers of wind propulsors, operators, weather routing, etc., and there is a big field where AI might also play an important role in optimising the compromise between transport time, route, and cost.

HK: Talking to operators and all players in the market and understanding their individual technical and commercial needs is the most important issue. There is no “perpetuum mobile,” and understanding and finding the best possible compromise for each vessel type, operator, and trade route is essential.

Consequently, we have developed two different types of daggerboards. One type tilts into the hull, and another is telescopic and the angle of attack can be adjusted. If there are other requirements, we will develop a new type if needed.

HK: Our core customers are the end users: ship owners and charterers. We very frequently discuss with them the advantages and features of our products. We want to know what the owner really expects from his vessel; sometimes the best solution is not so obvious.

For example, when the operation involves a lot of manoeuvring in rivers or in narrow areas, minimising the rudder area can be the wrong decision, although on straight courses fuel savings might be slightly better. Or when the vessel is operating more in a feeder mode, with many stops and different courses, one should select a suitable wind assistance system, which is flexible.

HK: When we see a potential or need, we will analyse if we can solve the challenges. If the answer is yes, we do not wait for subsidies or financial aid; we will invest. That, however, requires a solid business situation. Hence, regular business finances development.

HK: The feedback of our customers is extremely important. They know best what they want to improve and where they see weaknesses. Of course, technical details of our products may not interest customers as much, but if we know their demands, we can optimise our systems or develop new products. In close cooperation with customers, we developed, for example, the Becker bearing monitoring system.

Our rudder bearing is located in a very inaccessible area. Checking the condition requires a lot of effort, so to enable live monitoring and be ready for predictive maintenance, this digital measuring system helps the owner to analyse the condition of the bearing and keep service plans cost-effective.

HK: We all have one common challenge: global warming. If we do not want to reduce the quality of life and if we want to continue international trade, we will have to make shipping and transportation greener. This will include new technologies, new fuels, and probably new materials.

There are many opportunities coming with these requirements for improved environmental shipping. However, most of the technologies do cost more, and therefore it is important that all regulations are internationally met.

HK: If we want to maintain our position as technology leaders, we have to be flexible and open-minded. We like technology, we like engineering, we are specialists in hydrodynamics, but we cannot rest. If we remain open to changes, if we stay curious and positive about technology, and if we sometimes take the risk of trying something new, we will stay ahead.

HK: Let us create a better and even more environmentally friendly shipbuilding and shipping industry. Already the old Romans knew: “Navigare necesse est” – seafaring is necessary!

Becker Marine Systems is a supplier of manoeuvring systems and energy-saving devices. The company’s products are globally established and are considered the preferred choice for a variety of vessel types, such as bulk carriers, supertankers, container ships, passenger ferries, large cruise ships, and luxury yachts.

With over 75 years of experience in collaboration with the global maritime industry and the shipbuilding sector, Becker Marine Systems’ products have been installed on more than 9,000 ships worldwide. The global installations of the Becker Mewis Duct^® have contributed to reducing CO₂ emissions by more than 21 million tonnes.