Wärtsilä to provide LNG dual-fuel engines for new tankers

These vessels will operate on both diesel and LNG, and are under construction at the Scheepswerf Ferus Smit yard in the Netherlands for Sweden-based Erik Thun AB. The Wärtsilä order was booked in 1Q17.

In 2014, the same yard constructed two cement carriers on Erik Thun AB’s behalf. These vessels are now operated by JT Cement, which is a joint venture (JV) with Norway-based KG Jebsen Cement. These vessels also feature Wärtsilä dual-fuel propulsion.

The 115 m long coastal tankers feature a next-generation design, which focuses on high-energy efficiency, low noise levels above and below the water, and environmental sustainability. The Wärtsilä solutions were chosen largely because they meet these three criteria. For each vessel, the company will provide a six-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF dual-fuel main engine, a Wärtsilä LNGPac fuel supply system, a Wärtsilä Gas Valve Unit (GVU) and a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) with HP nozzle. The equipment will start to be delivered to the yard in 2018.

The fuel system that will be supplied by the company will feature an open type tank connection space (TCS), which allows natural ventilation. The benefits of this system are reduced weight, a combined cargo heating medium that controls the temperature both inside the TCS as well for evaporating the LNG, less installation work for the yard, and a decreased power supply requirement.

Aaron Bresnahan, Vice President, Sales, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions, said: “The fuel efficiency of the Wärtsilä 34DF engine, whether in gas or diesel mode, was a prime consideration in its selection for these ‘next generation’ tankers. Similarly, the successful track record of both the CPP and LNGPac solutions, and the proven efficiencies that they have demonstrated, were convincing arguments in our favour.”

Anders Källson, Managing Director, Erik Thun AB, added: “We have worked closely with Wärtsilä on many projects for more than 45 years, and we recognise their technical expertise and the reliability of their products. We are pleased, therefore, to have Wärtsilä as a partner for this project where efficiency and sustainability are the key essentials.”

Once delivered, these new ice-class 1A ships will be able to handle year-round sailing conditions in the Baltic Sea.

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/20062017/wrtsil-to-provide-lng-dual-fuel-engines-for-new-tankers/