Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of the Finnish technology group Wärtsilä, will supply cargo handling systems for four new 93,000 cbm capacity very large ammonia carriers (VLACs) being built by South Korean shipbuilding major Hanwha Ocean for Greek shipowner Naftomar.
The equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard commencing in Q1 2025.
As disclosed, the VLACs will be built at the Geoje shipyard and will be delivered to the shipowner by 2027.
Hanwha Ocean noted that, upon the shipowner’s request, the ships can be converted to ammonia propulsion in the future. Additionally, the VLACs will be equipped with Hanwha’s eco-friendly technologies, including the shaft generator motor system and Hanwha SmartShip Solution & Service.
Lee, Team Leader of the Basic Design Team at Hanwha Ocean, commented: ”We are very happy to work with Wärtsilä again. Through our previous collaborations, we can be confident these systems are the best possible choice for these vessels.”
Patrick Ha, Sales Manager at Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, said: “We have a long and positive relationship with Hanwha and have recently finalised the delivery of equipment for 12 vessels for them. We are also pleased to renew our relationship with Naftomar. These repeat orders give a clear indication of the confidence our customers have in the Wärtsilä cargo handling systems, and are the reason behind our unparalleled market position.”
To note, Wärtsilä claims that with safety and efficiency as priorities, its cargo handling systems are designed to contribute to reducing operating costs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as well as to an improved vessel EEDI.
In 2024, Wärtsilä was selected to supply cargo handling and fuel gas supply systems for five very large ethane carriers (VLECs) being built in China. The order was placed by Jiangnan Shipyard, part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), where the ships are being built for an undisclosed Chinese owner.
Furthermore, the company was selected to deliver fuel supply and cargo handling systems for two gas carriers that will operate with ammonia fuel. These ships are being built at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyards (HMD) in Korea for shipowner EXMAR LPG, a joint venture between EXMAR and Seapeak.