Wärtsilä Technology Group has been selected as the engine supplier for two new fast boats being built at the Estaleiro Rio Maguari shipyard in Brazil. Each of these boats will be equipped with three Wärtsilä 20 engines and will assist in LHG Mining's rail logistics operations in the Paraguay-Paraná waterway. This waterway is one of the most important internal transport corridors in South America.
Logistics Operations and Iron Ore Transport
These boats are designed to operate in harsh conditions and with high utilization rates, tasked with transporting iron ore from the Corumbá region as part of a broad export logistics network. This order was placed in the third quarter of 2026.
Comprehensive Support and Wärtsilä 20 Engine Capabilities
In addition to supplying the engines, Wärtsilä's service scope includes tools and spare parts, specific fuel consumption guarantees, support during commissioning, and extended warranties. This comprehensive package is designed to support the performance, availability, and operational efficiency of these boats.
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. The Wärtsilä 20 engine platform is well-suited for our application, and this order allows us to build on a proven concept and support the long-term development of our transport operations."
This order also strengthens Wärtsilä's presence in the inland waterways sector of South America, where shipowners are seeking solutions that combine operational efficiency with long-term flexibility. The Wärtsilä 20 engine has high fuel efficiency and is capable of operating with a wide range of fuels, including biodiesel blends, helping operators respond to evolving operational and regulatory needs.
Mário Barbosa, General Sales Manager for Latin America at Wärtsilä Marine, said: "Inland waterways play a vital role in the efficient and reliable movement of essential goods across South America. As operators continue to invest in expanding and modernizing their fleets, they need partners who can assist with their operational needs today and the long-term performance of their assets throughout the vessel's lifecycle."
The delivery of Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for 2027. This new order follows a previous contract in 2025 that included the same engines for four similar vessels. The relationship between Wärtsilä and LHG Mining extends beyond engine supply through service agreements for other vessels in their fleet.
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