Two new pusher tugs being built for Brazilian operator Amaggi will be powered by Wärtsilä engines. The ships are under construction at the Beconal shipyard in Manaus, Brazil, and are designed with a focus on decarbonized operations. The engines will run on biodiesel, a capability that was a key factor in securing the contract. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in Q4 2025.
“The fuel flexibility of the Wärtsilä engines will enable these two new pusher vessels to operate using environmentally sustainable biofuels,” said Claudinei Zenatti, logistics and operations director at Amaggi. “By using biodiesel, these engines are expected to lower total greenhouse gas emissions, supporting our company’s environmental commitments and the broader goal of delivering more sustainable river transportation.”
Each ship will operate with two Wärtsilä 20 engines, equipped with a Wärtsilä Data Collection Unit (WDCU). The engines can run on either diesel or biodiesel with a total power output of 2,100kW. This will enable each ship to push as many as 20 barges, carrying a total of 32,000 tons of grain on the Amazon inland waterway system. The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard starting in August 2026.
“Amaggi is the first pusher tug operator to run entirely on biodiesel – a step aligned with our shared commitment to decarbonized shipping,” said Genil Mazza, new-building sales manager, LatAm at Wärtsilä Marine. “The WDCU will enable accurate monitoring of the engines, which promotes performance reliability and the benefit of extended overhaul intervals.”
In related news, new LNG bunker vessel will feature Wärtsilä cargo handling, fuel and reliquefaction systems