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, was booked by Wärtsilä in the third quarter of the year, while the ships are being built for Chinese owners. Additionally, the delivery of the equipment will commence in the third quarter of 2026.
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.
“Our strategy is always to build the most optimised, efficient, and integrated vessels possible. For this, we have opted to fit these new vessels with various technologically advanced and highly reliable solutions,” said Zhao Zhenhua, Deputy Director of Supply Department at Jiangnan Shipyard.
“Our market-leading position is again endorsed with this latest order,” added Stein Thoresen, Sales Manager of 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.”
