Finnish maritime supplier Wärtsilä intends to enhance its automation business in China. A new joint venture was created with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).
The partner have already signed an agreement. The JV, to be known as CSSC Wärtsilä Electrical & Automation[ds_preview] Co Ltd (CWE&A), will focus on the growing Chinese electrical & automation (E&A) market, especially for high-tech ship applications. It is expected to be fully operational before the middle of 2017.
»China is a growing market within the high-tech ships segment, and Chinese yards are increasingly active in newbuild projects for high-tech and high-added value ships. CWE&A will supply China based customers with Wärtsilä electrical and automation systems and equipment for these ships«, Wärtsilä and CSSC announced. The business scope will include project engineering, project management, commissioning and supply management of automation, navigation and communication systems, dynamic positioning systems, electric propulsion systems, power distribution systems, entertainment systems, architectural lighting, safety and security systems, and full systems integration.
»Vessels are becoming more complex, with E&A solutions being increasingly important, and as digitalisation enters the marine industry CWE&A will be well positioned to meet the needs of its customers in this field,« said Jaakko Eskola, CEO of Wärtsilä.
»We have a history of good and open cooperation with Wärtsilä over many years, and we can now look forward to another successful joint venture,« Wu Qiang, President of CSSC, added.
