The MARLIN series is a major leap forward for the container feeder section. The design marks a new era in the container industry’s standard for environmentally sustainable, competitively priced and fuel efficient feeder vessels.
Wärtsilä, the marine industry’s leading solutions provider, has been contracted to supply the ship design for a series of state-of-the-art new generation container feeders. The Cardiff-based Graig Group has ordered up to 26 fuel-efficient new generation MARLIN 2000 Blue design container feeders to be built at the major Jin Hai shipyard complex in China. The first two vessels are scheduled for delivery in August and September 2013, with subsequent vessels to be delivered in pairs every two and half months.
Wärtsilä Ship Design has developed the MARLIN series in close co-operation with Graig and the DNV classification society. The design offers cutting edge features for container vessels. The MARLIN series delivers approximately 30 percent improved fuel efficiency per TEU carried, improved capacity and slow steaming potential, better loading flexibility for different container types, including a high reefer intake, and lower emissions when compared to vessels currently in service.
“This series responds to the industry’s needs. There is a gap in the containership market for quality, fuel efficient, competitively-priced and environmentally-friendly feeder ships to service the ultra large containerships now being brought into service by the major lines. This advanced MARLIN family of designs will fill that gap, and we expect this order to be the first of several series of larger capacity future-proof vessels, backed by the strength of the MARLIN consortia.” says Hugh Williams, CEO, Graig.
“The MARLIN series is a major leap forward for the container feeder section. The design marks a new era in the container industry’s standard for environmentally sustainable, competitively priced and fuel efficient feeder vessels,” says Riku-Pekka Hägg, Vice President, Wärtsilä Ship Design.
The MARLIN 2000 Blue design is intentionally targeted towards the current needs of the high growth intra-Asia trade routes, and there is demand for a series of these vessels. There are two further MARLIN concept designs, which will become more attractive to charterers as air emission standards tighten and bunker costs rise. The MARLIN 2500 Jade design is slightly larger and diesel powered, but is delivered with either scrubber or SCR emissions reduction technology, while offering similar fuel and efficiency gains. MARLIN 2500 Green is aimed at the market for feeder vessels in ECAS (Emission Control Areas) and offers dual fuel and LNG power options.
For further information, please contact:
Riku-Pekka Hägg
Vice President, Ship Design
Wärtsilä Ship Power
Tel: +358 40 848 1112
riku-pekka.hagg@wartsila.com
Chris Williams
Commercial Director
Graig
Tel: +44 2920 440 200
chris.williams@graig.com
Tuula Franck
Senior manager, Media and Stakeholder Relations
Wärtsilä Corporation
Tel: +358 400 267555
tuula.franck@wartsila.com
John Guy
Merlin Corporate Communications
Tel: +44 1903 502050
john@merlinco.com
A presentation of the MARLIN concept and graphics of the designs are available to the media by e mailing john@merlinco.com
Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising technological innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2010, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 4.6 billion with more than 17,500 employees. The company has operations in 160 locations in 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland. www.wartsila.com
Graig Group in brief
The Graig Group is a broad-based international ship owning and shipping services group delivering technical and commercial ship management, newbuilding supervision, lay-up services, ship design, ship owning, ship finance and marine consultancy to global clients who appreciate personal service. Graig has been building, managing and owning ships since 1919. Today it provides technical management and crewing for a mixed fleet of vessels on behalf of a number of owners. Based in the UK, Graig has offices in Cardiff, London, Shanghai, Singapore and Manila. www.graig.com
