Wärtsilä to supply engines to CNOOC tug boats

Wärtsilä is supplying the main engines for two environmentally sustainable tugs being built for CNOOC Energy Technology & Services Limited (CETS), a subsidiary of the state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC).

The vessels are the first in a planned series to be fuelled by LNG, and will be the first tugs in China ever to be operated on gas.

CNOOC is aiming to use more clean energy in its operations, and the Wärtsilä dual-fuel engine solution fits this profile perfectly. The low emission levels made possible by this technology is particularly beneficial for vessels operating close to population centres, as tugs frequently are, while the high fuel efficiency enables lower operating costs. These 6500 bhp tugs will operate along China's coastline, and will be fuelled from the company's own bunkering terminals.

"We are delighted to be co-operating with CNOOC in supplying the main engines for these gas fuelled tugs. It is a landmark project that is very much in line with the marine sector's key targets of achieving greater sustainability with better fuel efficiency." says Aaron Bresnahan, Vice President Wärtsilä Ship Power Specials.

The vessels will each be powered by two six cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF in line dual-fuel engines. Delivery is scheduled at the beginning of 2013, and the first of the tugs is expected to be delivered in June 2013.

Adapted from press release by Peter Farrell.

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/11072012/wartsila-to-supply-engines-for-new-build-chinese-tug-boats/