Technology group Wärtsilä will supply the engines for two new inland waterway pusher tugs being built by Brazilian shipyard Estaleiro Rio Maguari. The vessels, each of which will be powered by three Wärtsilä 20 engines, will support the river logistics operations of LHG Mining on the Paraguay-Paraná waterway. This is one of South America’s most important inland transport corridors. Designed for demanding river operations and high utilisation rates, the tugs will transport iron ore from the Corumbá region as part of a wider export logistics network. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3 2026.

“As we continue to expand our inland logistics fleet, reliability, efficiency and operational consistency remain important considerations,” says Darlan Carvalho, President, LHG Mining. “The Wärtsilä 20 engine platform has proven well suited to our application, and this follow-on order allows us to build upon an established concept while supporting the long-term development of our transport operations.”

In addition to the engines, Wärtsilä’s scope also includes tools and spare parts, a specific fuel oil consumption guarantee, commissioning support and an extended warranty. This comprehensive package is designed to support the performance, availability and operational efficiency of these tugs.

“This contract represents another important milestone in our collaboration with both LHG Mining and Wärtsilä,” says Fabio Vasconcellos, Commercial Director, Estaleiro Rio Maguari. “The project builds on experience already gained through the earlier vessels and helps ensure efficient execution as we continue delivering modern river transport assets for the Brazilian market.”

The order further strengthens Wärtsilä’s presence in South America’s inland waterway sector, where vessel owners are increasingly seeking solutions that combine operational efficiency with long-term flexibility. The Wärtsilä 20 engine offers high fuel efficiency and can operate on a range of fuels, including biodiesel blends, helping operators adapt to evolving operational and regulatory requirements.

“Inland waterways play a vital role in moving essential cargo efficiently and reliably across South America. As operators continue to invest in growing and modernising their fleets, they need partners that can support both their operational needs today and the long-term performance of their assets throughout the vessel lifecycle. This repeat order reflects the confidence placed in Wärtsilä’s technology, local expertise and long-term support capabilities, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with LHG Mining and Estaleiro Rio Maguari on this important project,” says Mário Barbosa, General Manager – Sales Latin America, Wärtsilä Marine.

The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery during 2027. This new order follows an earlier contract from 2025 covering the same engines for four similar vessels. Wärtsilä’s relationship with LHG Mining extends beyond engine supply through service agreements covering other vessels within its fleet. By combining equipment expertise with lifecycle support, Wärtsilä helps maximise vessel reliability, availability and performance, thereby supporting the predictable and uninterrupted transport of commodities across the operator’s trading network.