Wärtsilä’s engine to power McAsphalt’s LNG-fuelled asphalt carrier

Finland’s technology group Wärtsilä has received an order to supply a propulsion system for a dual-fuel asphalt carrier built for Canadian operator McAsphalt Marine Transportation.

The vessel, which is being built by Chinese shipbuilding company Wuhu Shipyard, will be equipped with two 20DF dual-fuel engines, as well as the company’s controllable pitch propellers, gearboxes, Energopac rudders, and a transverse thruster. The equipment for the 11,7000 cbm ship is slated for delivery to the yard in December 2022.

“The dual-fuel engines selected emphasise the vessel’s design focus on environmental sustainability, while the Energopac rudder solution is a proven fuel-saving technology for controllable and fixed pitch propeller applications. It features advanced hydrodynamic technology and outstanding vessel manoeuvrability, as well as improved onboard comfort levels compared to conventional propeller and rudder configurations,” the company stated.

This is the third order for dual-fuel propulsion systems signed by the two parties this year. A strategic cooperation agreement was signed at the same time, marking a new stage of cooperation between Wuhu Shipyard and Wärtsilä. 

The order for the new vessel was placed in April this year. McAsphalt and Wuhu Shipyard signed a contract for one plus one 12,000dwt/11,700cbm bitumen tanker which are designed by FKAB Marine Design.

The ship, which will fly the Canadian flag, will be used to support the company’s asphalt trades in the Great Lakes region in Canada.

This week, Wärtsilä revealed its “Set for 30” commitment to achieving ambitious climate targets under which it plans to become carbon-neutral in its own operations as well as to provide a product portfolio to be ready for zero-carbon fuels.