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A new, high quality, pushboat used to push barges convoys along the Paraguay River, will be powered by a Wärtsilä integrated propulsion solution.

The vessel is being built at the Astillero la Barca del Pescador (Shipyard SA) yard in Paraguay on behalf of Naviera Yeruti, a Paraguayan company with extensive barge construction and vessel operating interests.

This new vessel will be the company's first pushboat and it is scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2015. The contract with Shipyard SA was signed in December 2013 and Wärtsilä's equipment will be delivered in the third quarter of 2014.

The integrated Wärtsilä engine and propulsion system includes three 8-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 20 engines, three fixed pitch propellers, three gearboxes, three shaft lines including the shafting, seals and bearings, and the propulsion control system. Paraguay's Paraná River system is extensively used to transport goods, notably iron ore, soya beans and soya oil, to the coast.

"The primary target of the owners was to ensure a high level of reliability in its operations. Wärtsilä's reputation for high quality integrated propulsion solutions was, therefore, an important factor in the award of this contract," said Joe Amyot, Area Sales Director, Wärtsilä Ship Power.

"We wanted the best available equipment for the first ever 6000 brake horsepower (BHP), heavy fuel oil (HFO)-fuelled pushboat to be built in Paraguay. Experience has taught us that it pays off to invest in the best technology the market has to offer. We believe in strategic alliances with reliable partners, and we look forward to working with Wärtsilä again in the future," said Guillermo Ehreke, owner of Naviera Yeruti.

In addition to the propulsion equipment, Wärtsilä is also providing additional commissioning services to ensure a successful vessel start-up. A financial solution through Finnvera, the official Export Credit Agency of Finland, has also been arranged by Wärtsilä.