Wartsila, Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding to jointly develop hybrid vessel

The five-year agreement is to build a cooperation framework and working mechanism for the research and development of hybrid power systems. 

Wartsila will support Huangpu Wenchong during the design and construction phases with technology innovations, system selection, performance calculations, and long term services.

“Collaboration with industry partners is at the very core of Wartsila’s Smart Marine approach to raising efficiencies, and eliminating waste throughout the shipping sector. We look forward to cooperating with Huangpu Wenchong to create hybrid powered vessels that will benefit the industry by lowering costs, and benefit the planet by reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Henrik Wilhelms, director offshore and special vessels at Wartsila.

The initial cooperation will be based on a dredger, a vessel that the shipyard has already built. Evaluations will be carried out to determine the most suitable hybrid solution for that class of dredgers. 

In addition, the two will also explore the possibility to extend the solution to other types of vessel.