The technology group Wärtsilä has achieved a new technology benchmark with the introduction of the marine sector’s first hybrid installation for a bulk carrier. This innovative system will be installed on the M/V ‘Paolo Topic’, a bulk carrier built at Onomichi Dockyard in Japan and managed by Marfin Management S.A.M. The project agreement was signed on July 8 in Monte Carlo, Monaco, the company said in its release.
Wärtsilä’s hybrid power module, the Wärtsilä HY, will ensure the seamless integration and control of the technologies to be installed, with the ship’s various existing power production systems. This is made possible by the use of a dedicated Energy Management System (EMS) that will have overall control of the engines, batteries, power distribution and, for the first time in the maritime industry, solar panels to be installed on the weather deck.
The integrated solution is expected to deliver a drastic reduction in fuel consumption and maintenance costs. This, combined with the highly advanced level of environmental sustainability, will make the ‘Paolo Topic’ the global fleet’s most technologically advanced bulk carrier.
Furthermore, operational stability and increased efficiency will be ensured in all operating conditions, including loading and unloading.
Wärtsilä in brief:
Wärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising sustainable innovation, total efficiency and data analytics, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2018, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 5.2 billion with approximately 19,000 employees. The company has operations in over 200 locations in more than 80 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.