A new, high quality, pushboat used to push barges convoys along the Paraguay River, will be powered by a Wärtsilä integrated propulsion solution. The vessel is being built at the “Astillero la Barca del Pescador” (Shipyard SA) yard in Paraguay on behalf of Naviera Yeruti, a Paraguayan company with extensive barge construction and vessel operating interests. This new vessel will be the company’s first pushboat and it is scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2015. The contract with Shipyard SA was signed in December 2013 and Wärtsilä’s equipment will be delivered in the third quarter of 2014.
The integrated Wärtsilä engine and propulsion system includes three 8-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 20 engines, three fixed pitch propellers, three gearboxes, three shaft lines including the shafting, seals and bearings, and the propulsion control system. Paraguay Parana River system is extensively used to transport goods, notably iron ore, soya beans and soya oil, to the coast.
“The primary target of the owners was to ensure a high level of reliability in its operations. Wärtsilä’s reputation for high quality integrated propulsion solutions was, therefore, an important factor in the award of this contract,” says Joe Amyot, Area Sales Director, Wärtsilä Ship Power.
“We wanted the best available equipment for the first ever 6000 BHP, HFO fuelled pushboat to be built in Paraguay. Experience has taught us that it pays off to invest in the best technology the market has to offer. We believe in strategic alliances with reliable partners, and we look forward to working with Wärtsilä again in the future,” says Guillermo Ehreke, owner of Naviera Yeruti.
In addition to the propulsion equipment, Wärtsilä is also providing additional commissioning services to ensure a successful vessel start-up. A financial solution through Finnvera, the official Export Credit Agency of Finland, has also been arranged by Wärtsilä.
Link to picture: Signing ceremony between Wärtsilä and Shipyard SA. Sitting from right to left: Guillermo Ehreke, GM and owner of Naviera Yeruti and Shipyard SA; Piotr Kabacinski, GM Sales, Americas, Wärtsilä Ship Power. Standing from right to left: Eduardo Masciottra, Warag SRL, Wärtsilä agent, Buenos Aires; Jorge de la Guardia, GM and owner of Naviera Yeruti and Shipyard SA; Joe Amyot, Area Sales Director, Wärtsilä Ship Power.
For further information please contact:
Mr Piotr Kabacinski
General Manager Sales, Americas
Wärtsilä Ship Power
Tel. +358 40 779 9384
piotr.kabacinski@wartsila.com
Ms Mirja-Maija Santala
Media Manager
Wärtsilä Corporation
Tel. +358 400 793 827
mirja-maija.santala@wartsila.com
Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising technological innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2013, Wärtsilä's net sales totalled EUR 4.7 billion with approximately 18,700 employees. The company has operations in more than 200 locations in nearly 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland.
www.wartsila.com
