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#Industry News

Innovative solar-hybrid bulk carrier retrofit project launched

A project to carry out a hybrid-propulsion retrofit of a bulk carrier has been launched by Marfin Management and Wärtsilä

The bulker, Paolo Topic, will be powered by weather deck-mounted solar panels alongside batteries and engines.

Wärtsilä claims the project is the first of its type in commercial shipping and expects there to be “a drastic reduction in fuel consumption and maintenance costs.The Finland-based company’s HY hybrid-power module will control the engines, batteries, solar panels and power distribution for the vessel.

Marfin Management chief executive Alex Albertini said “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.”

“Thanks to the fully integrated solution, we are able to raise the bar in terms of economic competitiveness and environmental performance,” said Wärtsilä Marine business director Giulio Tirelli.

Built at Japan’s Onomichi Dockyard in 2016, Paolo Topic is a 60,200-dwt ultramax bulk carrier with a capacity of 76,554 m3 across five holds.

The project agreement was signed on 8 July in Monte Carlo, Monaco, from where Marfin Management oversees a fleet of 11 bulk carriers, comprising Handysize, Handymax, Supramax and Ultramax vessels

Details

  • United Kingdom
  • Marfin Managemen