Solvang Once Again Picks Wärtsilä for New Vessel Cargo Handling Systems

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, a division of the technology conglomerate Wärtsilä, has secured a contract to supply Cargo Handling Systems for two additional very large LPG carrier (VLGC) vessels. These vessels are set to be constructed at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd. shipyard in South Korea and have been commissioned by Norwegian ship owner Solvang. This order follows a similar one placed in 2023 for five vessels being constructed at the same yard for the same owner. The latest contract was finalized and booked by Wärtsilä in the first quarter of 2024.

The VLGCs, which are of Panamax size, represent the next generation of eco-vessels. These vessels, boasting a cargo carrying capacity of 88,000 m3, will incorporate environmental technology honed through Solvang's ECO LPG Carrier program, which has evolved over a span of 12 years. Tor Øyvind Ask, Fleet Director at Solvang ASA, expressed confidence in the modern and efficient fleet of vessels maintained by Solvang. He emphasized that the two new additions to the fleet would feature the most efficient solutions currently available, reaffirming the decision to opt for Wärtsilä cargo handling systems.

Patrick Ha, Sales Manager at Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, highlighted the strong relationships maintained with both Solvang and HHI, underscoring this repeat order as evidence of their excellent partnerships. Ha underscored the importance of having the most efficient and reliable cargo handling solutions for cutting-edge ship designs, a requirement that Wärtsilä is fully prepared to meet.

The delivery of Wärtsilä equipment to the shipyard is scheduled to commence in mid-2025, with the first ship expected to commence operations in mid-2027.

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, a division within the Wärtsilä Portfolio Business, stands at the forefront of the market, offering cutting-edge systems and lifecycle solutions across the gas value chain. Our core expertise lies in gas handling within maritime transportation, encompassing storage, fuel management, transfer operations, and BOG (Boil-Off Gas) management. Additionally, we specialize in gas-to-power solutions, liquefaction technologies, and biogas solutions. By prioritizing lifecycle performance, innovation, and digitalization, we assist our customers in their journey towards a sustainable future.

Wärtsilä stands as a worldwide pioneer in groundbreaking technologies and lifecycle solutions catering to the marine and energy sectors. We prioritize innovation in sustainable technology and services, aiming to assist our customers in enhancing both environmental and economic performance continually. With a dedicated team of 17,800 professionals operating across more than 280 locations in 79 countries, we actively contribute to the global decarbonization efforts within our industries. In 2023, Wärtsilä achieved net sales totaling EUR 6.0 billion.