Wärtsilä and Wuhu Shipyard strengthen green propulsion cooperation
Finland-headed marine and energy engineering and technology major Wärtsilä Oyj has announced that it will supply a "comprehensive package of propulsion machinery" for a new asphalt carrier vessel being built at the Wuhu Shipyard in China for Canadian operator McAsphalt Marine Transportation.
Wärtsilä will supply a comprehensive package of propulsion machinery for a new asphalt carrier vessel being built for McAsphalt Marine at the Wuhu Shipyard in China (image courtesy Wuhu Shipyard).
According to Wärtsilä, this is the 22nd order placed by Wuhu Shipyard for Wärtsilä propulsion solutions, emphasizing the strong relationship between the two companies. Placed in August 2021, this is the third order for dual-fuel propulsion systems signed by the two parties this year.
In addition, a strategic cooperation agreement was signed at the same time, marking a new stage of cooperation between Wuhu Shipyard and Wärtsilä. Both parties are committed to working on the research and development of green energy solutions in the shipbuilding field.
We have had a good experience with Wärtsilä’s products over the years, and we trust their efficiency and reliability. This is why we again selected Wärtsilä for this new vessel, said Zhang Zhao, Chairman of Wuhu Shipyard.
The 11 700 m3 asphalt carrier vessel will operate with two Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel engines, as well as Wärtsilä controllable pitch propellers (CPP), gearboxes, Energopac rudders and a Wärtsilä transverse thruster. The equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard in December 2022.
Fuel flexible and energy-efficient
Wärtsilä’s dual-fuel engine capability enables ships to be operated on either conventional liquid marine fuels – light fuel oil (LFO), heavy fuel oil (HFO), or liquid biofuel or liquefied (renewable) natural gas LNG/bioLNG. The switch between fuels can be made seamlessly without loss of power or speed.
Such fuel flexibility enables compliance with emission regulations in controlled areas while giving operators the option of determining the fuel according to cost and availability.
According to Wärtsilä, the dual-fuel engines selected emphasize the vessel’s design focus on environmental sustainability, while the Energopac rudder solution is a proven fuel-saving technology for controllable and fixed-pitch propeller applications.
It features advanced hydrodynamic technology and outstanding vessel maneuverability, as well as improved onboard comfort levels compared to the conventional propeller and rudder configurations.
Our long and successful track record with the Wuhu yard speaks for itself. We appreciate the trust that the yard has in Wärtsilä’s extensive portfolio of propulsion solutions, and we are pleased and proud to have been again selected for this project, said Östen Lindell, Sales Director, Wärtsilä Marine Power.