Finnish technology group Wärtsilä has been selected to supply an integrated hybrid propulsion solution for three new self-discharging cargo vessels being built at the Dutch Royal Bodewes shipyard for Norwegian shipowner Aasen Shipping.
As part of the solution, the ships will feature the latest addition to Wärtsilä’s engine portfolio, the Wärtsilä 25, which was launched in September 2022.
The three 9,500 dwt vessels will each operate with one six-cylinder Wärtsilä 25 main engine fitted with a Wärtsilä NOx reduction system, a Wärtsilä gearbox and controllable pitch propeller with shaft line, a Wärtsilä Pro-Touch bridge control system, the Hybrid system with DC hub and 620kWh battery capacity, the control system, as well as the battery, power and energy management systems. The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery to Royal Bodewes in December 2025 and in 2026.
The engines and vessels are prepared for operation on sustainable fuels in the future.
The cargo handling machine will be electric to reduce noise and emissions. In ports where shore power is available, these ships can both self-load and self-discharge completely free of emissions, according to the shipbuilder.
Furthermore, the 120-meter-long units will hold class notation methyl/ethyl alcohol-fueled ready. Once green methanol is available, these ships can easily be rebuilt to consume green methanol. In that case, the ships could operate completely emission-free, both in port and at sea.
Several weeks ago, Aasen Shipping ordered the three hybrid-powered methanol-ready self-dischargers at the abovementioned shipyard.
Wärtsilä delivered a similar hybrid propulsion solution to two earlier Aasen Shipping vessels, the Aasfoss and Aasfjell. These ships have successfully operated with the hybrid propulsion solution for almost two years, and this success has been cited as a prime consideration in the award of this new contract, according to the company.