Wärtsilä powers two new iron ore tugs for Brazil’s Paraguay-Paraná highway
Finnish technology group Wärtsilä has secured a contract to supply the engines for two new inland waterway pusher tugs being built for Brazilian mining and logistics operator LHG Mining.
The order, booked by Wärtsilä in the third quarter of 2026, marks a repeat collaboration between the Finnish supplier and LHG Mining. The Wärtsilä 20 engine platform, known for its fuel flexibility and high utilisation rates, has been selected to support LHG Mining’s long-term transport development plans.
The vessels are designed to operate under high utilisation rates, ensuring the predictable and uninterrupted flow of commodities to export markets.
Wärtsilä’s engines are particularly suited to the demanding conditions of inland waterway operations. The Wärtsilä 20 engine, which will power the new tugs, offers high fuel efficiency and can operate on a range of fuels, including biodiesel blends.
What Wärtsilä’s contract includes and why it matters for operators
Beyond the supply of engines, Wärtsilä’s contract with LHG Mining includes a comprehensive package designed to support the performance and availability of the new tugs. This scope covers tools and spare parts, a specific fuel oil consumption guarantee, commissioning support, and an extended warranty.
Darlan Carvalho, President of LHG Mining, emphasised the importance of reliability and consistency in the company’s expanding logistics fleet.
«As we continue to expand our inland logistics fleet, reliability, efficiency and operational consistency remain important considerations. 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.»
Darlan Carvalho·President, LHG Mining
The Finnish technology group’s involvement extends beyond engine supply, with existing service agreements covering other vessels within LHG Mining’s fleet. By combining equipment expertise with lifecycle support, Wärtsilä helps operators maximise vessel reliability, availability, and performance, ensuring the predictable transport of commodities across their trading networks.
Fabio Vasconcellos, Commercial Director of Estaleiro Rio Maguari, the Brazilian shipyard building the tugs, highlighted the significance of the project.
«This contract represents another important milestone in our collaboration with both LHG Mining and Wärtsilä. 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.»
Fabio Vasconcellos·Commercial Director, Estaleiro Rio Maguari
The order further strengthens Wärtsilä’s presence in South America’s inland waterway sector, where vessel owners are increasingly seeking solutions that balance operational efficiency with long-term flexibility. Mário Barbosa, General Manager of Sales for Latin America at Wärtsilä Marine, underscored the importance of inland waterways for the region’s trade.
«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.»
Mário Barbosa·General Manager, Sales Latin America, Wärtsilä Marine
The Wärtsilä equipment for LHG Mining is scheduled for delivery during 2027. This latest order follows an earlier contract from 2025, which covered the same engines for four similar vessels. The repeat business underscores the trust operators place in Wärtsilä’s technology and its ability to deliver solutions tailored to the unique challenges of inland waterway operations.
Broader trends in South America’s inland waterway sector
The investment in new tugs for LHG Mining is part of a broader trend across South America’s inland waterway sector. Operators are increasingly prioritising the modernisation of their fleets to enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve reliability. The shift towards more sustainable fuels, such as biodiesel blends, is a key component of this trend, as companies seek to align their operations with global decarbonisation goals.
Wärtsilä’s Wärtsilä 20 engine platform is well-positioned to support these efforts. The engine’s ability to operate on a range of fuels provides operators with the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and regulatory environments. This adaptability is particularly important in South America, where fuel availability and emissions standards can vary significantly across different regions.
In addition to LHG Mining, Wärtsilä has also secured contracts with other major operators in the region. For example, the company is supplying engines for two new pusher tugs for AMAGGI, a Brazilian agribusiness operator. These tugs, under construction at the Beconal shipyard in Manaus, are designed with a focus on decarbonised operations and will run on biodiesel. Equipped with Wärtsilä Data Collection Units (WDCU), the engines for AMAGGI can operate on either diesel or biodiesel, further demonstrating the flexibility of Wärtsilä’s technology.
The AMAGGI tugs, each powered by two Wärtsilä 20 engines with a total output of 2,100 kW, will be capable of pushing up to 20 barges, carrying a total of 32,000 tons of grain. This capacity highlights the critical role that modern inland waterway vessels play in supporting the region’s agricultural and mining sectors. The Wärtsilä equipment for AMAGGI is scheduled for delivery commencing in August 2026, following an order booking in the fourth quarter of 2025.
As South America’s inland waterway sector continues to evolve, operators will increasingly rely on technology partners like Wärtsilä to provide solutions that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and reliability. The latest contract with LHG Mining is a testament to the Finnish group’s ability to deliver on these fronts, while also supporting the long-term growth and modernisation of the region’s logistics infrastructure.
For stakeholders in the maritime and logistics sectors, the development underscores the importance of investing in modern, flexible, and sustainable solutions. As regulatory pressures mount and fuel costs fluctuate, operators that prioritise efficiency and adaptability will be best positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future.
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