Finnish technology company Wärtsilä has secured a contract to deliver cargo handling and fuel supply systems for four new very large ethane carrier (VLEC) vessels in China.

Primarily designed to transport ethane, the VLECs are being built by China’s Jiangnan Shipyard for Hong Kong-based Pacific Gas.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

The new vessels will be fuelled by ethane.

Wärtsilä has agreed to offer basic and detailed engineering services, as well as supervision and commissioning at the yard.

The equipment is scheduled to be delivered to the yard in the first half of next year, while the first ship is slated to start commercial operations in autumn 2025.

The contract was booked into the Finnish firm’s order intake for February 2023 and is said to have bolstered its position as the supplier of this type of system for large ethane carriers.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions Cargo Handling and Fuel Supply Systems sales manager Harald Øverland said: “The aim with all our products is to secure good quality and functionality that supports optimal operations for the vessel while adding value to the customer’s business.

“Our track record speaks for itself, and this contract further extends our market position.”

At the end of January, Wärtsilä was contracted to deliver liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel gas supply systems, propulsion control systems, and alarm monitoring and control systems (MCS) for four new LNG dual-fuel boxships in China.

The vessels were built at the Jiangsu New Yangzi Shipbuilding yard for Pacific International Lines.

Ship Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Ship Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Recognised with Innovation and Product Launches awards in the 2025 Ship Technology Excellence Awards, BASSnet Neo is BASS Software’s future-ready maritime ERP. See how its cloud architecture, AI automation and integrated BI dashboards are transforming operational control for ship owners and managers.

Discover the Impact