Berge Bulk has integrated hydroponic cultivation aboard its vessels, achieving a harvest of over 1.2 metric tons of produce by 2024. Launched initially in 2019, the project forms a segment of the company's strategy to enhance the crew's quality of life and minimize food and packaging waste.
Collaborating with Aerospring Hydroponics of Singapore, Berge Bulk has placed 150 advanced systems on 75 ships. These setups support the growth of vegetables and herbs like lettuce, cherry tomatoes, capsicum, chili, basil, and rosemary via a soil-less, nutrient-water medium.
According to Michael Blanding, Head of Sustainability & Communications, "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." By late 2024, a 12% reduction in food waste was realized on board each vessel compared to the 2021 baseline, surpassing the goal for 2025.
Captain Noli Paraunda states, "Watching plants grow from seed to harvest on board is incredibly fulfilling. It's refreshing, therapeutic, and brings our team together." Crew members, known as Messmen, manage the growth, harvest, and maintenance of the crops, fostering community engagement.
An active online platform exists where crew members across the fleet share resources. Regular hydroponics challenges stimulate creativity and participation, with competitive element awards for top harvesters such as Berge Phan Xi Pang and Berge Olympus.
Source: The Manila Times