4 Oct 2024

Technology group Wärtsilä will supply the Cargo Handling and Fuel Gas Supply systems for five new Very Large Ethane Carrier (VLEC) vessels.

The order has been placed by Jiangnan Shipyard, and the ships are being built for Chinese owners. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3, 2024.

Cargo Handling and Fuel Gas Supply

The order follows a similar order for Cargo Handling and Fuel Gas Supply systems placed by the yard in 2023 for four VLECs. The new 99,000 m3 capacity VLECs are mainly designed to transport ethane and will use ethane as fuel.

As part of the Cargo Handling and Fuel Gas Supply systems scope, Wärtsilä will also provide basic and detailed engineering services, along with supervision and commissioning at the yard.

Technologically advanced vessels

Our strategy is always to build the most optimised, efficient, and integrated vessels possible,” said Mr. Zhao Zhenhua – Deputy Director of the Supply Department, at Jiangnan Shipyard.

"For this, we have opted to fit these new vessels with various technologically advanced and highly reliable solutions."

Optimal vessel operations 

Our market-pioneering position is again endorsed with this latest order,” said Stein Thoresen, Sales Manager, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions. “It is also an important continuation of the good and close relationship Wärtsilä has with Jiangnan Shipyard."

"The quality and functionality of our solutions will support optimal operations for these vessels, and it is rewarding that these benefits have once again been recognised.” Delivery of the Wärtsilä equipment will commence in Q3 2026.