Wärtsilä to power ‘world’s first’ all-electric self-unloading ship

July 24, 2024, by Fatima Bahtić

Finnish technology group Wärtsilä has been contracted to supply a hybrid-electric propulsion system for an 11,000 dwt limestone carrier being built for Canadian shipping company Canada Steam Ship Lines Group (CSL Group).

Wärtsilä has been closely involved in developing the concept for the hybrid-electric propulsion system selected to optimize the engine and battery loading for the ship’s operating conditions.

The firm will supply the whole hybrid electric propulsion system, including generators, DC hub, energy and power management system, main propulsion e-motors, bow thruster e-motors, and the battery solution. Delivery is scheduled for early 2025.

The system will provide redundancy when operating in confined waters to improve safety, while at the same time improving efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.

CSL Group ordered the vessel from CCCC Shanghai Equipment Engineering and Jingjiang Nanyang Shipbuilding. The order reflects the company’s focus on reducing its emissions profile via a comprehensive decarbonization strategy.

The limestone carrier, when delivered in 2026, will be the world’s first fully electric battery-capable self-unloading vessel, according to the company.

It will initially run on a hybrid diesel and battery system, with 50% of the total battery capacity installed replacing diesel with electric power.

By 2031, the aim is to run the ship entirely on electric power, further reducing carbon emissions to less than 10%.

“We require an electrically integrated hybrid-powered propulsion solution from a single-source supplier capable of providing lifecycle support. Wärtsilä was selected for our newbuild project because of their proven ability, experience and track record in delivering high-quality electrification and hybridisation systems,” said Frédéric Jauvin, CSL’s Vice-President, Global Technical Services.

“Wärtsilä is committed to making decarbonised shipping possible, so we are delighted to be supporting CSL with solutions that enhance the sustainability of their fleet,” commented Torsten Büssow, Director, Electrical & Power Systems Business Wärtsilä Marine.

“This is a short sea shipping vessel that will operate with a lot of manoeuvring and variable load profiles, and electrification and hybridisation systems are the most efficient for such vessels.”