Wärtsilä hybrid solution for bulk carriers

(Posted on 21/07/19)

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.

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.

“This new technology development, utilising a combination of engines, solar power and batteries, represents a milestone for the industry and is made possible by the Wärtsilä HY integration,” says Giulio Tirelli, Director at Wärtsilä Marine Business. “Thanks to the fully integrated solution, we are able to raise the bar in terms of economic competitiveness and environmental performance.”

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.

“We are pleased to have found like-minded partners to bring new technology and innovative thinking onboard to help improve our environmental performance and leading the way towards a more sustainable future. We will be able to provide our customers and partners with the most advanced vessel performance and environmental quality without compromising on operational effectiveness and flexibility,” says Alex Albertini, CEO at Marfin Management.

Latest News

CMT: Expanded IMO data collection rule needs engine monitoring rethink

Shipowners and managers are being reminded to review onboard fuel-measurement and data-capture practices... Read more

Cavotec signs second major reel contract from Civmec for Port Hedland

Cavotec has signed another contract with Australian construction and engineering company Civmec for... Read more

Samuel Schär is the new CEO of Bühler Group

As announced in April 2025, Samuel Schär has assumed his position as CEO of Bühler, effective... Read more

Smart Ship Hub expects breakthrough year for digitalisation in 2026

Leading vessel performance platform Smart Ship Hub says the industry should expect a breakthrough year... Read more

Accelerating zero-carbon shipping in the Nordics

The Nordic countries are taking an important step towards decarbonising maritime transport with the... Read more

Steelpaint appoints ADD Marine to drive growth in Greece and Cyprus

Germany’s Steelpaint has appointed ADD Marine as its representative for Greece and Cyprus, strengthening... Read more

Rio Tinto’s first Pilbara-made rail car built by Gemco in Karratha

Rio Tinto’s first Pilbara-made iron ore rail car has rolled off the production line in Karratha... Read more

Electric Liebherr portal crane strengthens Baria Serece, Vietnam

Precision meets progress at Phu My Port, Vietnam. The LPS 550 has been deployed to handle bulk commodities... Read more

bound4blue targets Asian growth with new production capabilities

bound4blue, a global leader in wind propulsion systems, has expanded its industrial footprint in Asia... Read more

DNV: Methanol as marine fuel at high readiness level

As the industry explores multiple decarbonisation pathways, methanol is gaining attention as a practical... Read more