Technology group Wärtsilä will supply the engine and propulsion equipment for a new 3800 DWT heavy lift vessel being built for Netherlands based operator Hartman Seatrade. The owner has established a new shipyard, Rock Shipbuilding, where the vessel will be built. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in Q4 2025.

The vessel will operate with the Wärtsilä 31 engine, which features best-in-class fuel efficiency and minimised exhaust emissions. The engine’s modular design enables a significant reduction in maintenance requirements and costs, while providing the flexibility for both fast and slow steaming operations.

“Our focus is on efficiency, reliability, and operational flexibility,” says Teele Hartman, Managing Director of Hartman Seatrade. “Wärtsilä engines have consistently performed well across our fleet. The Wärtsilä 31 offers the performance range we need for both slow and fast steaming, combined with low maintenance requirements. Based on our long-standing cooperation and operational experience, Wärtsilä was the obvious choice for this vessel.”

Wärtsilä will also supply the gearbox which will enable the vessel to operate in PTI (Power Take-In), PTO (Power Take-Off), and PTH (Power Take-Home) modes, thereby further improving fuel efficiency. The vessel’s Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) will be controlled by Wärtsilä EcoControl and hydrodynamically optimised with Wärtsilä’s Opti Design solution. Operating the propeller at low speed when full thrust isn’t needed will also deliver additional fuel savings. The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery in spring 2027.

PRESSURE TO BALANCE COSTS, RELIABILITY AND EFFICIENCY
“Ship owners today face pressure to balance costs, reliability and efficiency with sustainability targets, and while maintaining operational flexibility,” says Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine & Executive Vice President at Wärtsilä Corporation. “Efficient energy use and advanced equipment are key to meeting regulations while staying profitable. The Wärtsilä 31 engine, combined with complementary technologies, offers the most logical path forward for cargo operators.”

Wärtsilä has established a strong relationship with Hartman Seatrade over the years, having supplied equipment for several vessels in the company’s fleet.