Wärtsilä is to supply the cargo handling and fuel gas supply systems for five new very large ethane carrier (VLEC) vessels, ordered at the Jiangnan Shipyard by Chinese owners.
The order follows a similar order for cargo handling and fuel gas supply systems placed by the yard in 2023 for four VLECs. The new 99,000m3 capacity VLECs are mainly designed to transport ethane, and will use ethane as fuel. As part of the cargo handling and fuel gas supply systems scope, Wärtsilä will provide basic and detailed engineering services, along with supervision and commissioning at the yard.
Zhao Zhenhua, Deputy Director Supply Department, Jiangnan Shipyard said: “Our strategy is always to build the most optimised, efficient, and integrated vessels possible. For this, we have opted to fit these new vessels with various technologically advanced and highly reliable solutions.”
Stein Thoresen, Sales Manager, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions added: “Our market-leading position is again endorsed with this latest order. It is also an important continuation of the good and close relationship Wärtsilä has with Jiangnan Shipyard. The quality and functionality of our solutions will support optimal operations for these vessels, and it is rewarding that these benefits have once again been recognised.”
Delivery of the Wärtsilä equipment will commence in Q3 2026.
Image: Wärtsilä will supply Cargo Handling System and Fuel Supply Systems for five new ethane carriers being built at Jiangnan Shipyard (credit: Wärtsilä)
