Innovation and tradition combined: The milestones of Becker Marine Systems

Becker Marine Systems is expanding its global expertise in co-operation with Nakashima by merging the offices of Becker (Asia) Ltd, Nakashima Asia Pacific Ltd. and Mentrade Marine Engineering Ltd. in Singapore to serve the growing maritime needs of the region and to intensify international co-operation.

The business areas of Becker LNG Hybrid Barge and Becker LNG PowerPacs® in the alternative energy sector, as well as the Cobra battery technology for maritime electromobility, are no longer managed by Becker Marine Systems.

After over 20 years in the management of Becker Marine Systems, Dirk Lehmann stepped down. Starting from January 1, 2023, Henning Kuhlmann took over as the CEO. 

Friedrich Mewis and Dirk Lehmann have been honored with the German Environmental Prize for the development of the Becker Mewis Duct®. Since its introduction in 2008, this more efficient propulsion system has globally saved approximately twelve million tons of CO₂.

Becker Marine Systems and Nakashima Propeller intensify their long-standing collaboration, further expanding their strategic partnership. Nakashima Propeller acquires stakes in Becker Marine Systems. The existing shareholders remain on board with their existing shares. This strengthened collaboration establishes a leading system provider for shipyards and shipowners worldwide.

The widespread installation of the Becker Mewis Duct® has resulted in an impressive reduction of 10 mio. tons of CO₂ emissions, emphasizing Becker's commitment to environmental protection and sustainability in the maritime industry.

Becker Marine Systems, in collaboration with Hapag-Lloyd and HHLA, conducted successful tests in the Port of Hamburg using the Becker LNG PowerPac® – a mobile 1.5-megawatt power plant. This technology replaces auxiliary diesel generators with environmentally friendly electricity during the ship's layover.

In 2016, Becker Marine Systems launched the Compact Battery Rack (COBRA) in Hamburg, an environmentally friendly energy storage solution for ships.

After a successful decade at Neuländer Kamp, Becker Marine Systems relocates its headquarters to a specially designed new building in Channel Harburg.

Becker Marine Systems introduces the LNG Hybrid Barge 'Hummel', an innovative power supply unit for ships that utilizes LNG to reduce environmental impact and advance sustainability in maritime transportation.

Becker Marine Systems introduces the Becker Twisted Fin (BTF), an advanced solution designed to reduce hydrodynamic resistance and improve fuel efficiency, primarily implemented on large container ships.

In 2011, Becker Marine Systems introduced the BIMS®, a system for the precise monitoring of ship systems. Utilizing advanced sensor technology and intelligent analysis functions, the BIMS® enables effective real-time monitoring, enhances operational safety, and optimizes maintenance, significantly increasing the efficiency of vessels.

In 2008, Becker Marine Systems revolutionized ship propulsion technology with the introduction of the Becker Mewis Duct®. This product quickly established itself as a successful innovation, solidifying Becker's position as a pioneer in sustainable and innovative maritime technologies.

After significantly contributing to the international orientation of Becker Marine Systems, Henning Kuhlmann joined the executive management in 2006. Together with Dirk Lehmann, he formed the leadership team, strategically driving the company's expansion forward.

Developed since 2001, the Becker Twisted Leading Edge Rudder with King Support bearing (TLKSR®) ushers in a new era for the company, emerging as the ideal solution for the growing market of large and fast vessels. This innovative rudder design has become the go-to choice for combating cavitation erosion issues in modern, large, and high-speed ship designs.

Becker Marine Systems acquires shares in IBMV Maritime Innovationsgesellschaft in Rostock, thereby strengthening its research and development activities in the field of naval engineering, especially in manoeuvering and propulsion systems.

Henning Kuhlmann, then Director Global Sales, pushed ahead with the expansion in Asia and opened new Becker branches in China, Korea and Singapore, which strengthened the company's market position and customer proximity in the region. At the same time, Becker Marine Systems relocated its headquarters to a new building at Neuländer Kamp in Hamburg.

Becker Marine Systems acquired Hamworthy Schilling, leading to a significant strengthening of the company's position in the maritime industry. This acquisition opened up new possibilities for innovation and growth by bringing together the resources and expertise of both companies.

In search of a successor, Wolfgang Haeder met Dirk Lehmann at Nor-Shipping, who then took over as managing director. Wolfgang Haeder retired, well-deserved. The Willi Becker Engineering Office was renamed to Becker Marine Systems, introducing the globally recognized logo.

The Schleswig-Holstein Venture Capital Company, a Becker shareholder, introduced Hatlapa Uetersener Maschinenfabrik into the equation. A sustainable plan was developed, and Hatlapa became a joint partner of Willi Becker Engineering Office. At the same time, Wolfang Haeder and the Hamburg Investment Bank GBK became partners of the company.

Becker has now established an extensive network of global sales partners. In Europe, the company maintains branches in Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, France, Finland, Spain, Denmark, Iceland, and England, while overseas representations are located in China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Chile, the USA, Canada, Cuba, and Australia.

Rolf Beyer sold his share in the company and resigned as Managing Director, leading to Karl Johannsen temporarily taking over the management. Later, Wolfgang Haeder was appointed as the Managing Director of Willi Becker Ingenieurbüro GmbH by Karl Johannsen, the widow of Willi Becker, and her son.

By decision of the shareholders, Rolf Beyer has been appointed as the Managing Director, and Dipl.-Ing. Franjo Rajic has been granted power of attorney. Willi Becker passed away on November 16, 1985, at the age of 65, after a fulfilled life dedicated to the company.

Willi Becker signed a contract with propeller manufacturer Nakashima for the licensed production of Becker rudders for the Japanese rudder market. 

In order to offer the Becker rudder for large ocean-going vessels, Willi Becker, together with Dipl.-Ing. Franjo Rajic and his team, developed the King Support Rudder (KSR). This design significantly improved the stability of the rudder blade through an extended bearing, thus adapting it for larger vessels.

From the early stages, the rudders were designed and planned for retrofitting, and were installed under the supervision of Becker technicians. For instance, the 'MV Charcrest' was retrofitted with a Becker Schilling Rudder.

The strategic acquisition of Kort Engineering marked a significant step in the development of specialized rudders and nozzles for ice-going ships. The innovative nozzle design, conceived to enhance propulsion, proved particularly effective for ships with high-loaded propellers.

The rudder prototype installed on the 'ATR1' was now adapted for both smaller and larger ships, such as the 'Gerd Buss III' in the Port of Hamburg. Willi Becker expanded his market and began selling the rudders for inland vessels in the Netherlands.

Under Willi Becker's visionary leadership, the company underwent a remarkable transformation. It pivoted from being a ship owner to becoming a leading manufacturer of rudder solutions.

Dissatisfied with conventional steering systems, Becker specifically designed the Becker Flap Rudder for the 'ATR1', an inland tank ship. The integration of a flap rudder, at the time a novel concept, was a key feature of this ship.

Willi Becker founded the Willi Becker Engineering Office to fully dedicate himself to the further development of his rudder innovations. Together with his team, he started the engineering office in the Neustadt district of Hamburg.

Aral decided to station a bunker boat in Hamburg and asked Willi Becker to relocate his 'Marleen I' to the bustling port city. Driven by the desire for a more efficient rudder and inspired by the landing flaps of an airplane, Willi Becker designed the world-famous Becker Flap Rudder – today a synonym for high-performance steering rudders.

Willi Becker embarked on a groundbreaking project that marked the beginning of a new era in specialized tanker shipping: the construction of an aluminum vessel christened 'Marleen I'. In collaboration with Aral, Becker's shipping company transitioned to a focus on tanker operations.

Willi Becker received his business license, marking a significant step in his professional career. As a mechanical engineer, he hailed from a family of inland waterway captains, a legacy that profoundly shaped his professional path.