Wärtsilä Debuts HY for Dredgers

Wärtsilä launched the Wärtsilä HY for Dredger, a new product based on Wärtsilä’s HY hybrid propulsion technology, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of dredging operations.

The product was recently unveiled at a Future Dredger Day event held at the Wärtsilä's Hybrid Center in Trieste, Italy. 

The Wärtsilä HY for Dredger features a combination of different power sources, including the engines and energy storage systems, the power distribution equipment, and the Energy Management System (EMS). The EMS ensures instant load taking and dynamic power demand. It also has the capability for intelligent tuning to optimize performance throughout the vessel’s lifecycle.

Full integration of the various systems is designed to allow the engines to always run at optimal load, helping to raise energy efficiency and save fuel. At the same time, reducing stress on mechanical components results in lower maintenance costs and extended turbocharger life. Sustainability is enhanced with reduced emission levels in all modes, with zero emissions when running in full battery mode.

“Real operational data from the field was analysed so as to understand exactly the challenges to be overcome, and the product was engineered accordingly. Through working closely with our customers, we have been able to further develop the HY technology and customize a new integrated product for the dredging market,” says Giulio Tirelli, Wärtsilä Marine’s Director of Sales & Business Intelligence.

“With this we can have a lower environmental impact, better fuel efficiency, and reduced maintenance because of fewer running hours. This will deliver the most advanced energy solution currently available to the dredging industry, while maintaining a payback time as short as two years,” says Henrik Wilhelms, Director, Offshore & Special Vessels, Wärtsilä Marine.