The technology group Wartsila has again been selected by the Netherlands-based shipbuilding company Damen Shipyards Group to provide the main propulsion solutions for a large Marine Aggregate Dredger (MAD).

The dredger is being built for the U.K. company Hanson Aggregates.

The order with Wartsila was signed in May 2019 and the steel cutting ceremony took place on June 13 at Damen Shipyards Galaţi in Romania.

An identically designed vessel from Damen, which is expected to begin operations within the coming few months, is also fitted with the same Wartsila solutions.

The scope includes two Wartsila 26 engines, two Wartsila controllable pitch propellers (CPP), and the Wartsila ProTouch bridge control system.

According to their agreement, Wartsila will prepare the engines ready for use with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to reduce emissions, making the vessel compliant with the International Maritime Organization’s Tier III regulations. When in operation, the 103-metre long dredger will be one of the most environmentally sustainable ships of its type in service.

The Wartsila equipment is scheduled to be delivered to the yard in the early part of 2020.