Finland-based technology group Wärtsilä has been selected to provide an integrated hybrid propulsion system for a bulk carrier currently under construction at the Dutch Royal Bodewes shipyard for Norwegian maritime transport company Aasen Shipping. This 9,500 dwt bulker is the latest in a series of six vessels to operate a similar set of technology supplied by Wärtsilä. Aasen Shipping and Royal Bodewes had previously tapped the Finnish company in December 2023 for a similar order covering three ships.
The eco-friendly newbuilding will operate with a six-cylinder Wärtsilä 25 main engine equipped with a Wärtsilä NOx (nitrogen oxide) Reducer, a Wärtsilä gearbox and controllable pitch propeller with shaft line, and a Wärtsilä ProTouch remote propulsion control solution. The hybrid propulsion system includes a DC hub and a 620kWh battery capacity, a control system, as well as battery, power, and energy management systems. The medium-speed four-stroke Wärtsilä 25 engine is engineered for easy upgrades to operate on future low- and zero-carbon fuels. The equipment is planned to be handed over sometime in the first half of 2027.
According to Wärtsilä officials, the technology scope is designed to work in unison, allowing Aasen Shipping to “optimize” operations, minimize fuel consumption, and “boost” its environmental performance. This aligns with both the shipping company’s and broader global decarbonisation targets.
Aasen Shipping and Royal Bodewes have a history of collaboration, having signed contracts over the past years for the construction of a set of specialized bulk carriers. In November 2023, they agreed on a deal concerning the building of a trio of hybrid-powered methanol-ready self-dischargers. The 9,400 dwt Aasvaer, one of the units from this series, was handed off to Aasen Shipping on October 17 this year, following seatrials conducted earlier that month. The second newbuild is nearing its launch date, per the shipbuilder’s data.
This partnership underscores a growing trend in the maritime industry towards hybrid and alternative fuel technologies. As global decarbonisation targets become more stringent, shipowners and technology providers are increasingly collaborating to develop and deploy innovative solutions. The integration of hybrid propulsion systems, battery technology, and advanced control systems represents a significant step forward in achieving these goals.
The selection of Wärtsilä by Aasen Shipping and Royal Bodewes highlights the confidence in Wärtsilä’s ability to deliver cutting-edge technology that meets the evolving needs of the maritime industry. The hybrid propulsion system not only aims to enhance operational efficiency but also to significantly reduce the environmental impact of shipping operations. This move is expected to set a benchmark for future projects, encouraging other shipowners to adopt similar technologies.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the collaboration between shipowners and technology providers will be crucial in driving innovation and achieving sustainability goals. The ongoing projects between Aasen Shipping and Royal Bodewes, supported by Wärtsilä’s technology, serve as a testament to the industry’s commitment to a greener and more efficient future.