Berge Bulk grows over one metric tonne of fresh produce at sea

SINGAPORE – Berge Bulk, one of the world’s leading dry bulk ship owners, has successfully grown over 1.2 metric tonnes of vegetables and herbs on its ships, using onboard hydroponic systems to provide fresh produce for seafarers while cutting down on food waste and packaging.

Since 2019, the Singapore-based dry bulk ship owner has equipped 75 vessels with 150 hydroponic towers in partnership with Aerospring Hydroponics.

These vertical systems allow seafarers to grow vegetables like lettuce, cherry tomatoes, capsicum, chili, basil, and rosemary, without soil.

The effort supports Berge Bulk’s YouMatter wellbeing programme and the company’s Blue Matters campaign, which focuses on environmental responsibility at sea.

Michael Blanding, Head of Sustainability & Communications at Berge Bulk, said the programme fits into a broader strategy to improve both environmental outcomes and daily life on board.

“We serve nearly 2 million meals annually, so growing our own produce means that we are using less plastic food packaging and avoiding emissions from transportation of food,” said Blanding. “We are also seeing a significant decrease in food waste on board.”

By the end of 2024, the company recorded a 12 percent reduction in food waste per vessel compared to its 2021 baseline. This figure beats Berge Bulk’s goal to lower food waste by 10 percent before the end of 2025.

Crew at the centre

Hydroponic farming is managed by Messmen and Chief Cooks, who grow, harvest, and maintain crops while involving other crew members. This hands-on approach has proven popular among staff, with some describing it as more than just a food solution.

“Watching plants grow from seed to harvest on board is incredibly fulfilling. It’s refreshing, therapeutic, and brings our team together,” said Captain Noli Paraunda.

To keep motivation high, the company runs regular competitions across the fleet. Vessels compete for top marks based on how much they harvest, the quality of crops, or creative cooking with hydroponic ingredients. In 2024, Berge Phan Xi Pang led with 124 kg harvested, followed by Berge Olympus with 88 kg.

Berge Bulk also maintains an online network where cooks and Messmen share photos, recipes, and growing tips.

Next steps at sea

Looking ahead, Berge Bulk has added a greenhouse-style system on the Berge Olympus as a trial to support larger-scale growing. The system uses solar energy and allows for more consistent crop production. The team is also exploring smart farming technology to make maintenance easier and improve crop yield.

This effort highlights a growing focus within the maritime industry on crew welfare and smarter resource use.

“Our seafarers spend months away from their families. Providing them with healthy meals and a green space on board has become a vital part of our operations,” Blanding added. “We want to keep improving every year.”

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