Technology group Wärtsilä has been selected to supply the main power generation and power conversion equipment for the Brazilian Navy’s new polar vessel – Navio Polar Almirante Saldanha (NPo).

The contract has been awarded by Brazil’s Estaleiro Jurong Aracruz shipyard.

Wärtsilä will be responsible for supply of three Wärtsilä 32 diesel generating sets, a diesel-electric power conversion system and two bow thruster drive systems.

It will also provide the Power Management System for the newbuild.

NPo Navio Polar project manager Maicon Batista Pinto said: “With the company’s long-standing and extensive experience in marine technology, we trust Wärtsilä to deliver high quality and reliability in all their products and systems. These specialised vessels require superior performance, and we are confident that the Wärtsilä solutions selected will meet this requirement.”

To be operated by the Brazilian Navy, the NPo is expected to help the country maintain its presence in the Antarctic. It will also ensure the scientific research continuity that has been carried out at the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station.

Wärtsilä said its low emission energy efficient solution, combined with low fuel consumption, will offer superior performance.

Wärtsilä Naval Sales general manager Simon Riddle said: “Thanks to Wärtsilä’s advanced technologies, the overall Wärtsilä solution has been optimised to provide the best possible efficiency for the Brazilian Navy’s operations. This efficiency will also minimise emissions, which is in line with our core strategy of enhancing sustainability wherever possible.”

The firm plans to deliver the equipment to the yard next year while the 103.16m vessel is scheduled for commissioning in 2025.