Wärtsilä To Power World’s Largest Methanol-Ready Cement Carrier

Wärtsilä, a global leader in the marine and energy sector has announced an order to supply a complete propulsion package for the world’s largest methanol-ready cement carrier.

The 38,000 DWT vessel, commissioned by NovaAlgoma, is being built at Zhejiang Xinle Shipbuilding Co., Ltd, and is expected to be launched in late 2026.

NovaAlgoma is a joint venture between Nova Marine Group, based in Italy and Switzerland, and Canada’s Algoma Central Corporation.

The order was booked in the fourth quarter of 2024. This vessel will be the first of its kind to carry a methanol-ready notation.

The CEO of Nova Marine Group Vincenzo Romeo said that the new vessel is an important step forward in the company’s fleet development. He added that it will be the largest and most eco-friendly cement carrier ever built.

Wärtsilä’s advanced technology is going to help the company transition to decarbonised operations.

The package includes two Wärtsilä 32 engines, one Wärtsilä 25 auxiliary engine, two gearboxes, two controllable pitch propellers, one tunnel thruster, three selective catalytic reduction (SCR) exhaust after-treatment systems, a propulsion control system, two shaft generators (PTO/PTI), and additional engine accessories.

Wärtsilä plans to start delivering the equipment in November 2025.

Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine and Executive Vice President of Wärtsilä Corporation, remarked that the propulsion package takes a holistic approach to improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions. He also discussed the shared vision of both companies to decarbonise the maritime industry.

The Wärtsilä 32 engine is designed for easy maintenance and extended operating periods between services.

Its fuel flexibility allows for future upgrades to operate on methanol. The Wärtsilä 25 engine’s modular design provides more flexibility and its efficiency ensures low emissions and better fuel economy.

The propulsion system also includes a gearbox that reduces propeller speed, enabling larger propeller diameters to improve overall efficiency.

Reference: Wärtsilä

Source: Maritime Shipping News