Finnish technology company Wärtsilä has secured a contract to supply a comprehensive propulsion package for a 38,000 DWT green methanol-ready cement carrier, set to become the world’s largest vessel of its kind and the first with a methanol-ready notation.
The order was placed by NovaAlgoma, a joint venture between Nova Marine Group and Algoma Central Corporation. The ship is under construction at Zhejiang Xinle Shipbuilding Co., Ltd in China, with a launch anticipated in late 2026.
Wärtsilä’s supply scope includes two Wärtsilä 32 engines, one Wärtsilä 25 auxiliary engine, gearboxes, controllable pitch propellers, a tunnel thruster, selective catalytic reduction exhaust after-treatment systems, a propulsion control system, shaft generators, and related accessories. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in November 2025.
Anticipated Rise in Cement Demand
Vincenzo Romeo, CEO of Nova Marine Group, stated that the vessel represents a significant advancement in the company’s fleet development strategy, aiming to meet the anticipated rise in cement demand. He described it as the largest and most eco-friendly cement carrier ever built, reflecting the company’s commitment to a greener fleet.
Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine, noted that the integrated package takes a holistic approach to the vessel’s operation, supporting Nova’s sustainability goals by minimizing emissions and ensuring efficient energy utilization.
This development aligns with the maritime industry’s broader efforts to decarbonize operations, with green methanol emerging as a viable alternative fuel option. The vessel’s methanol-ready design ensures adaptability to future fuel transitions, contributing to reduced environmental impact.
The Wärtsilä 32 engine is renowned for its efficiency and maintenance ease, with fuel flexibility that allows for easy upgrades to operate with methanol. The Wärtsilä 25 engine offers modularity and fuel economy, contributing to minimized emissions. Wärtsilä’s propulsion solutions are designed for high efficiency, aiding vessels in achieving compliance targets through optimized propulsive performance.
Read More:
- Wärtsilä: Wärtsilä propulsion package to power world’s largest methanol-ready cement carrier vessel
- Offshore Energy: Wärtsilä propulsion system selected for ‘world’s largest’ methanol-ready cement carrier
- Offshore Energy: NovaAlgoma Cement Carriers orders methanol dual-fuel cement carrier

