Technology group Wärtsilä will supply main engines for two pusher tugs being built for Brazilian operator AMAGGI, with the vessels designed to run on biodiesel as part of the operator's decarbonisation efforts.

The ships are under construction at the Beconal shipyard in Manaus, Brazil. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in Q4 2025.

Claudinei Zenatti, logistics and operations director at AMAGGI, commented: "The fuel flexibility of the Wärtsilä engines will enable these two new pusher vessels to operate using environmentally sustainable biofuels. By using biodiesel, these engines are expected to lower total greenhouse gas emissions, supporting both our company's environmental commitments and the broader goal of delivering more sustainable river transport."

Each vessel will operate with two Wärtsilä 20 engines, equipped with a Wärtsilä Data Collection Unit. The engines can run on either diesel or biodiesel fuel with a total power output of 2,100kW, allowing each ship to push up to 20 barges carrying a total of 32,000 tonnes of grain on the Amazon inland waterway system.

The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard commencing in August 2026.

Genil Mazza, newbuilding sales manager for Latin America at Wärtsilä Marine, said: "AMAGGI is the first pusher tug operator to run entirely on biodiesel — a step aligned with our shared commitment to decarbonised shipping. The Wärtsilä Data Collection Unit will enable accurate monitoring of the engines, which promotes performance reliability and the benefit of extended overhaul intervals."

AMAGGI operates a river fleet comprising 212 barges and pusher vessels. Wärtsilä and AMAGGI have collaborated for more than 30 years on river transport solutions in Brazil.

Wärtsilä Marine develops technologies for the marine market, including engines, propulsion systems, hybrid technology, and digital solutions.