Rhys BerryWärtsilä has announced it will be supplying a hybrid-electric propulsion system for an 11,000 DWT limestone carrier being built for CSL Group.
As previously reported by ship.energy, the vessel, when delivered in 2026, will be the world’s first fully electric battery-capable self-unloading vessel. It will initially run on a hybrid diesel and battery system, with 50% of total battery capacity installed replacing diesel with electric power. By 2031, the aim is to run the ship entirely on electric power.
In a statement sent to ship.energy today (24 July), the technology group said it had been closely involved in developing the concept for the hybrid-electric propulsion system selected to optimise the engine and battery loading for the ship’s operating conditions. According to Wärtsilä, the system will provide redundancy when operating in confined waters to improve safety, while at the same time ‘improving efficiency and reducing fuel consumption’.
‘We require an electrically integrated hybrid-powered propulsion solution from a single-source supplier capable of providing lifecycle support,’ said Frédéric Jauvin, CSL’s Vice-President, Global Technical Services. ‘Wärtsilä was selected for our newbuild project because of their proven ability, experience and track record in delivering high-quality electrification and hybridisation systems.’
Torsten Büssow, Director, Electrical & Power Systems Business Wärtsilä Marine, added: ‘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. 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.’
Wärtsilä 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 of the technology is scheduled for early 2025.
Image: Wärtsilä
Ariane Morrissey
Ian Taylor
