Wärtsilä and Becker to Develop Propulsion Systems

Wärtsilä and the German company Becker Marine Systems have entered into an agreement on the optimization of ship propulsion systems. Becker Marine Systems has annual net sales of EUR 50 million and is the leading supplier of rudders of all profiles and sizes, as well as related systems. More than 100 professionals form the Becker offices in Germany, the UK, Norway and China. The company has its headquarters in Hamburg, Germany. Agencies around the world complete the company's global design, sales and service network. The aim of the cooperation is to develop and market optimized propeller-rudder systems that will save energy, enhance crew and passenger comfort, and ensure maximum manoeuvrability of coastal and seagoing vessels. These newly combined propulsion and manoeuvring systems will be marketed and sold under the well established Wärtsilä brand. Both companies will keep their commercial independence and continue to market their traditional products individually. The agreement marks the start of joint development combining the hydrodynamic and constructional capabilities of both companies.