Wärtsilä has been contracted to deliver the main engine and propulsion package for a new 3,800-dwt heavy lift vessel ordered by Dutch operator Hartman Seatrade, with the order recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The vessel will be constructed at Rock Shipbuilding, a recently established yard created by Hartman Seatrade to support its newbuilding programme. Propulsion will be provided by the Wärtsilä 31 engine, which the manufacturer positions as combining high fuel efficiency with lower exhaust emissions across a wide operating range.

Teele Hartman, Managing Director, Hartman Seatrade, said, "Our focus is on efficiency, reliability, and operational flexibility. Wärtsilä engines have consistently performed well across our fleet. The Wärtsilä 31 offers the performance range we need for both slow and fast steaming, combined with low maintenance requirements. Based on our long-standing cooperation and operational experience, Wärtsilä was the obvious choice for this vessel."

The scope of supply also includes a gearbox that will enable the vessel to operate in PTI (Power Take-In), PTO (Power Take-Off), and PTH (Power Take-Home) modes, which Wärtsilä says will improve fuel efficiency.

The vessel's Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) will be controlled by Wärtsilä EcoControl and hydrodynamically optimised with the company's Opti Design solution. Operating the propeller at low speed when full thrust is not needed is expected to deliver additional fuel savings.

Roger Holm, President, Wärtsilä Marine & Executive Vice President, Wärtsilä Corporation, said, "Ship owners today face pressure to balance costs, reliability, and efficiency with sustainability targets, while maintaining operational flexibility. Efficient energy use and advanced equipment are key to meeting regulations while staying profitable. The Wärtsilä 31 engine, combined with complementary technologies, offers the most logical path forward for cargo operators."

Delivery of the Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for spring 2027. Wärtsilä has supplied machinery for several vessels operated by Hartman Seatrade in previous years, reflecting a long-standing commercial relationship between the two companies.