Four SAL Heavy Lift vessels to be equipped with Wärtsilä’s methanol-powered hybrid propulsion system

Germany-based project cargo specialist SAL Heavy Lift GmbH has ordered four hybrid systems from Finnish marine engine maker Wärtsilä, with the possibility of increasing the order size to six.

PHOTO: SAL Heavy Lift provides water transportation services for heavy lifting and project cargo. SAL Heavy Lift

Its hybrid propulsion system is a containerised hybrid battery power and energy storage system, which Wärtsilä claims will reduce ships' carbon dioxide emissions. The module will be integrated with the company's methanol-ready dual-fuel engine.

China's Wuhu Shipyard is scheduled to deliver the vessels in 2025.

According to SAL Heavy Lift's chief executive Martin Harren, the vessels will help the shipping sector move toward a "greener future."

Methanol has gained importance as an alternative marine fuel with other container giants such as A.P. Moller - Maersk and COSCO placing big orders for methanol-fuelled container ships.

By Konica Bhatt

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