Wärtsilä to supply world’s first hybrid powered self-discharging bulk carriers
The self-discharging bulk carriers being built for Aasen Shipping will be the first of their kind to operate with hybrid propulsion (Source: Aasen Shipping)
Two new 9,300 dwt self-discharging bulk carriers with hybrid propulsion are currently being built for Norway’s Aasen Shipping at the Royal Bodewes shipyard in the Netherlands, which has also designed the vessels.
The technology group Wärtsilä has been selected to provide the complete system design and full equipment scope for the ships. The company was contacted to determine whether a hybrid installation would be beneficial. It then carried out a detailed study in close cooperation with Aasen Shipping, taking into consideration a broad range of relevant factors. The study determined that the extra initial investment required for the battery installation would be more than offset by the high level of achievable fuel cost savings.
The full Wärtsilä scope for each ship includes a Wärtsilä 26 main engine with gearbox and controlled pitch propeller (CPP), a DC switchboard, a battery pack, and a power management system. The equipment is scheduled to be delivered to the yard commencing in mid-2021.
The investment cost for the hybrid installation is partly supported by Enova SF, the Norwegian government enterprise responsible for the promotion of environmentally friendly production and consumption of energy.
