Wärtsilä will supply its engines for two new barge vessels being built at the Estaleiro Rio Maguari shipyard in Brazil. These vessels are designed to support the logistics operations of LHG Mining in the Paraguay-Paraná waterway, which is considered one of the most important internal transportation corridors in South America.
Project Details
Each of these vessels will be equipped with three Wärtsilä 20 engines and will be responsible for transporting iron ore from the Corumbá region. These vessels are designed for challenging operations in waterways and high utilization rates and will operate as part of a broad export logistics network. This order has been registered in the third quarter of 2026.
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Interview with LHG Mining Officials
Darlan Carvalho, President of LHG Mining, stated: "As we continue to expand our domestic logistics fleet, reliability, efficiency, and operational stability are of utmost importance." He added: "The Wärtsilä 20 engine platform is well-suited for our application, and this new order allows us to build on a proven concept and support the long-term development of our transportation operations."
Wärtsilä Support and Services
In addition to supplying the engine, Wärtsilä's scope of work includes tools and spare parts, specific fuel consumption guarantees, startup support, and extended warranties. This comprehensive package is designed to support the performance, availability, and operational efficiency of these vessels.
Fabio Vasconcelos, Commercial Director of Estaleiro Rio Maguari, said: "This contract represents a significant milestone in our collaboration with LHG Mining and Wärtsilä. This project is based on previous experiences gained from earlier vessels and helps us continue effective execution and deliver modern internal transportation assets for the Brazilian market."
Impact on the Domestic Transportation Market
This order helps strengthen Wärtsilä's presence in the inland waterways sector of South America, where shipowners are increasingly seeking solutions that combine operational efficiency with long-term flexibility. The Wärtsilä 20 engine, with its high fuel efficiency and capability to operate with various fuels, including biodiesel blends, helps operators meet evolving operational and regulatory requirements.
Mario Barbosa, General Sales Manager for Latin America at Wärtsilä Marine, noted: "Inland waterways play a vital role in effectively and reliably transporting essential cargo across South America. As operators continue to invest in the growth and modernization of their fleets, they need partners who can support their current operational needs and the long-term performance of their assets throughout the vessels' lifetimes. This repeat order reflects confidence in Wärtsilä's technology, local expertise, and long-term support capabilities."
Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery in 2027. This new order follows a previous contract in 2025 that included the same engines for four similar vessels. Wärtsilä's relationship with LHG Mining extends beyond engine supply to include service agreements for other vessels in their fleet. By combining expertise in equipment with lifecycle support, Wärtsilä helps maximize the reliability, availability, and performance of the vessels, thereby supporting predictable and uninterrupted transportation of goods in the operator's trade network.
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