Wilson Shipowning AS, one of Europe’s leading short sea bulk carrier operators, has ordered Wärtsilä propulsion packages for a series of eight 4500-dwt general cargo bulk carriers. The vessels will be built by Shandong Baibuting Shipbuilding Co Ltd, in Qingdao, China.
This significant order follows a supply agreement from last year with Wilson for the provision of complete propulsion systems for a series of eight 8000-dwt bulk carriers currently under construction at China’s Yichang Shipyard.
All 16 vessels, to be operated by Wilson EuroCarriers, will be delivered within similar time frames, between December 2009 and February 2012, with Wärtsilä rolling out the packages for installation between September 2009 and April 2011.
“The Wilson Group, with whom we have enjoyed a long-standing relationship lasting more than 30 years, is an important customer for Wärtsilä,” says Johannes Martinsen, Sales Manager, Wärtsilä Ship Power, Norway. “If we count all the engine brands that fall under the Wärtsilä umbrella, we have 34 engine installations operating in Wilson vessels.”
“To reduce NOx emissions Shandong Baibuting Shipbuilding will also arrange space for the future installation of Wärtsilä Selective Catalytic Reactor (SCR) units, Martinsen adds. This is due to the fact that some of these vessels will sail along the Norwegian coast, where ship owners have to pay a ‘NOx tax’ if the vessel is calling at more than two ports per trip. The current tax-rate is NOK 15/kg of NOx. If they install equipment, such as the SCR units, and sign up to the Norwegian government’s NOx fund agreement, the tax is reduced to about NOK 4/kg of NOx.”
Complete power system for all 16 vessels
For each of the eight 4500-dwt general cargo bulk carriers, Wärtsilä will deliver the complete power train, comprising a 6-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 26 medium-speed diesel engine rated at 2040kW, a Wärtsilä gearbox, shafting, seals and bearings, and a propeller. Wärtsilä’s Lipstronic remote control units will also be integrated into the assembly.
The series of eight 8000-dwt bulk carriers being built by Yichang will each be powered by a single 8-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 32 engine, rated at 3680kW, connected via Wärtsilä reduction gearing to a Wärtsilä propeller. The shafts, seals and bearings and Lipstronic remote control are also supplied by Wärtsilä under the terms of the contract. These vessels will also be equipped with SCR units supplied by Wärtsilä.
Media contact:
Ms Marit Holmlund-Sund
Public Relations Manager
Wärtsilä Corporation
Direct tel: +358 10 709 1439
Direct fax: +358 10 709 1425
e-mail: marit.holmlund-sund@wartsila.com
Internet: www.wartsila.com
Wärtsilä Corporation in brief:
Wärtsilä enhances the business of its customers by providing them with complete lifecycle power solutions. When creating better and environmentally compatible technologies, Wärtsilä focuses on the marine and energy markets with products and solutions as well as services. Through innovative products and services, Wärtsilä sets out to be the most valued business partner of all its customers. This is achieved by the dedication of more than 17,000 professionals manning 160 Wärtsilä locations in 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on The Nordic Exchange in Helsinki, Finland.
www.wartsila.com
