Wärtsilä is to supply main engines for two new pusher tugs being built for Brazilian operator Amaggi at the Beconal shipyard, located in Manaus, Brazil, designed with a focus on decarbonised operations.
The engines will run on biodiesel, a capability said to be a key factor in securing the contract.
Claudinei Zenatti, Logistics and Operations Director, Amaggi, said: “The fuel flexibility of the Wärtsilä engines will enable these two new pusher vessels to operate using environmentally sustainable biofuels. By using biodiesel, these engines are expected to lower total greenhouse gas emissions, supporting both our company’s environmental commitments and the broader goal of delivering more sustainable river transport.”
The ships will each operate with two Wärtsilä 20 engines, equipped with a Wärtsilä Data Collection Unit (WDCU). The engines are able to run on either diesel or biodiesel fuel with a total power output of 2,100kW. This will allow each ship to push as many as 20 barges, carrying a total of 32,000t of grain on the Amazon inland waterway system. The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard commencing in August 2026.
Genil Mazza, Wärtsilä Marine Newbuilding Sales Manager, LatAm, added: “Amaggi is the first pusher tug operator to run entirely on biodiesel – a step aligned with our shared commitment to decarbonised shipping. The Wärtsilä Data Collection Unit (WDCU) will enable accurate monitoring of the engines, which promotes performance reliability and the benefit of extended overhaul intervals.”
Amaggi operates a river fleet comprising 212 barges and pusher vessels. Wärtsilä and AMAGGI share a longstanding partnership, having collaborated for more than 30 years to advance sustainable and efficient river transport solutions in Brazil.
Image: Wärtsilä’s fuel-flexible engines selected to reduce emissions on two new vessels for a Brazilian operator (credit: Wärtsilä Corporation)
