Bergen, Norway – Bergen Engines has signed an agreement with Karstensens Skibsværft AS for a propulsion engine to equip a new fishing vessel commissioned by Norway’s Sæbjørn AS. The 70-meter combined purse seiner/trawler, named “Sæbjørn,” will be built at Karstensens Shipyard in Skagen, Denmark, with delivery scheduled for September 2027. Bergen Engines will supply its B33:45L6P engine for the project, with delivery scheduled for October 1, 2026.

Sæbjørn AS, a historic shipping company founded in 1957 by Knut Sævik and based in Vartdal, Norway, is replacing a 30-year-old vessel with this modern, environmentally friendly newbuild. The current “Sæbjørn,” built in 1996, served as a crucial part of Norway’s ocean-going fishing fleet and this new vessel will continue that legacy, supporting the company’s focus on sustainable and efficient fishing practices.

A Shared Vision for Sustainability
The propulsion system of the new “Sæbjørn” will be powered by a single Bergen B33:45L6P engine, chosen for its ability to deliver optimal fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The 3600-kW engine will be paired with a large 4500 mm propeller, supplied by Brunvoll, ensuring maximum energy optimization in line with Sæbjørn’s goal of minimizing NOX/CO2 emissions per kilogram of fish caught.

The B33:45L6P engine is renowned for its durability, offering extended service intervals of up to 25,000 hours, and is Tier III compliant with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. This ensures the vessel will meet stringent environmental regulations while maintaining the high-performance levels expected by Sæbjørn AS. The engine’s modular, service-friendly design also allows for straightforward installation and ease of maintenance—key benefits for operators looking to maximize vessel uptime and operational efficiency.

Decades of Trust
Sæbjørn AS is now managed by the second and third generations of the founding families. The company engages in combined trawl and purse seine fishing, primarily targeting blue whiting, herring, and mackerel.

Similarly, this project marks the second recent order between Bergen Engines and Karstensens Shipyard and represents the 11th successful newbuild collaboration between the two companies. This ongoing partnership reflects the trust developed over years of joint projects, combining Bergen Engines’ technological expertise with Karstensens’ capabilities to deliver high-performance, reliable vessels.

ABOUT BERGEN ENGINES

Bergen Engines produces medium-speed liquid and gas fueled engines and generator sets are supplied to a broad range of land-based, commercial marine, and naval applications. The Bergen name is a watchword for quality and reliability in its field.

The tradition of engineering in Bergen, Norway, dates to 1855 when the original company Bergen Mekaniske Verksted (BMV) was founded. In 1946, the company built its first diesel engine and has since commissioned over 7,500 of its iconic liquid and gas fueled engines. Around half of them are still in operation today; such is the quality and reliability of a Bergen engine.

Formerly Rolls-Royce Bergen Engines, on 31st December 2021, the company became part of the privately owned British engineering group, Langley Holdings plc.