Aasen Orders Hybrid-power Self-discharging Bulkers

A pair of 9,300 DWT self-discharging bulk carriers being built for Norway’s Aasen Shipping at the Royal Bodewes shipyard in the Netherlands will be the first of their kind to be fitted with a hybrid propulsion solution.

Wärtsilä said it secured an order in December 2019 to provide the complete system design and full equipment scope for two newbuilds.

Torbørn Torkelsen, CEO at Aasen Shipping, said, “We approached Wärtsilä because of their capabilities in delivering hybrid propulsion systems.”

When contacted to determine whether a hybrid installation would be beneficial for these new ships, Wärtsilä 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.

“As a complete hybrid system supplier, we have again custom designed a propulsion arrangement that delivers high efficiency, lower fuel consumption, and optimal environmental sustainability,” said Harald Tillung, Business Development Manager, Wärtsilä Marine.

The Royal Bodewes designed bulk carriers will be fitted with excavators for loading and unloading. The excavators will be electrically powered using the battery pack, which will save fuel and be emissions-free since normally they would be diesel operated.

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.