Wärtsilä has received an order to supply a complete propulsion package for a 38,000 dwt methanol-ready cement carrier vessel.
When built, this will be the largest vessel of its type, and the first with a methanol-ready notation. The order has been placed by NovaAlgoma, a joint venture between the Italian Swiss-based Nova Marine Group and the Canadian Algoma Central Corporation. The ship is being built at Zhejiang Xinle Shipbuilding, and is expected to be launched in late 2026.
Vincenzo Romeo, CEO Nova Marine Group, said: “This highly valuable new entry demonstrates the Group’s fleet development strategy and aims to address the significant increase in cement demand. This will be the largest and most eco-friendly cement carrier ever built and is a tangible sign of our strong efforts towards a green fleet. Having Wärtsilä as the technology and solution provider supports our fleet’s effective transition towards decarbonisation.”
The Wärtsilä scope of supply includes two Wärtsilä 32 engines, one Wärtsilä 25 auxiliary engine, two gearboxes, two CP propellers, one tunnel thruster, three SCR exhaust after-treatment systems, the propulsion control system, two shaft generators (PTO/PTI) and engine accessory items. The equipment is scheduled for delivery commencing in November 2025.
Roger Holm, President Wärtsilä Marine and EVP Wärtsilä Corporation said: “Nova and Wärtsilä share a joint commitment to decarbonise shipping operations within the maritime industry. With this integrated package we are taking a holistic approach to the operation of this innovative vessel. This will allow us to support Nova with its sustainability goals around minimising emissions and ensuring the most efficient energy utilisation during operations.”
The Wärtsilä 32 engine is designed for efficient and easy maintenance in combination with long maintenance-free operating periods. Its fuel flexibility allows it to be upgraded to operate with methanol. The Wärtsilä 25 engine’s modularity then offers maximised flexibility, while the engine’s efficiency and fuel economy deliver minimised emissions. In addition, Wärtsilä’s propulsion solutions are designed to deliver high efficiency, helping vessels to achieve their compliance targets. This is achieved in combination with a gearbox that reduces propeller speed meaning that a larger propeller diameter is utilised to maximise propulsive efficiency.
Image: A 38,000 dwt methanol-ready cement carrier vessel owned by NovaAlgoma will be powered by Wärtsilä (source: Wärtsilä)
