Misje Rederi opts for Wärtsilä hybrid solution for eco-friendly bulkers

Written by Nick Blenkey
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The bulkers are being built at the Colombo Dockyard in Sri Lanka. [Image copyright Wärtsilä]

Three newbuild eco-friendly 5,000 dwt bulk carriers being built for Misje Eco Bulk, a unit of the Norway based Misje Rederi group, are to have a fully integrated Wärtsilä hybrid solution that will enable them to sail in and out of port, and to perform cargo operations, completely emissions-free.

The bulkers are being built at the Colombo Dockyard in Sri Lanka.

The development of the hybrid propulsion solution was carried out from an early stage in a close cooperation between Wärtsilä and Misje Eco Bulk that resulted in a tailored solution that fully meets the owner’s requirements in terms of reduced operating costs, operational flexibility, and environmental sustainability. The vessels are designed to be converted to full zero emissions operation as the technology develops.

The Wärtsilä scope of supply includes a Wärtsilä 20 main engine, Wärtsilä NOx Reducer (NOR), the power transmission system, the controllable pitch propeller (CPP), Wärtsilä ProTouch bridge control system, electrical and automation systems, the hybrid battery solutions, energy management system (EMS), transformers, motors and shaft line. The EMS functions as the “brain” in the Wärtsilä hybrid solution optimizing the energy flows between the different power sources, storage and consumers to achieve the highest efficiency possible.

The order with Wärtsilä was signed in October 2020 and includes an option for an additional three vessels.

Delivery of the equipment will commence in autumn 2021, and the first of the three ships is scheduled to enter service in mid-2022. The subsequent vessels will be delivered at four month intervals.

“This newbuild project is in line with our ambition to have one of the world’s cleanest and most sustainable fleets,” says Roald Misje, Technical Manager, Misje Rederi. “Our collaboration with Wärtsilä, and their deep understanding and know-how of hybrid technology, make this ambition achievable, and we see great benefit in this very strong integrated solution to us as the owner from a lifecycle perspective.”

“We are extremely honored to have worked closely with Misje Eco Bulk to develop this fully integrated hybrid propulsion solution, which represents a new overall benchmark for bulk carriers in terms of operational flexibility, high efficiency, and low emission levels,” says Grant Gassner, Director Integrated Systems and Solutions, Wärtsilä Marine Power. “We look forward to continuing our good collaboration with both Misje and Colombo Dockyard during the construction and commissioning of these ground-breaking vessels.”

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