A new technology research programme aimed at developing propulsion products specifically for operating in arctic conditions has been implemented with Wärtsilä and VTT, the Technical Research Centre of Finland, as the main contributors. The ArTEco (Arctic Thruster Ecosystem) project will altogether be supported by ten industrial and academic partners from Finland and other countries.
ArTEco is a three year programme, commencing in 2015 and ending in 2017. Its primary aim is to foster new technology for propulsion solutions in an arctic operating environment. The platform will consist of developing state-of-the-art simulation and load determining methods for dynamic loading conditions; researching possibilities for dampening dynamic loads; researching the use of Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants in propulsion products; and researching new sensor technology for components used in propulsion products.
The new technology that is expected to emerge from this project will have the potential to significantly improve the competitiveness of solutions, in terms of cost, size and reliability, compared to products currently available. This will be aided through the creation of a technology demonstrator, i.e. a large-scale prototype, to be used for validating the technology within the project. This validation will take place at the Wärtsilä Propulsion Test Centre in Tuusula, Finland.
The specific focus will be on creating an Extreme Value Thruster as a platform for demonstrating quantum leaps in thruster technologies. Wärtsilä is confident that this research will form the foundation of an extended and highly advanced product portfolio. The programme has a budget of EUR 7.5 million.
“The challenge to create increasingly reliable and competitive solutions is ongoing. Wärtsilä has a duty to its customers to ensure that its R&D activities are supported by the best tools, technologies and partners so as to develop the best solutions. The creation of this project consortium will help us maintain our position as an innovator and technology leader within the marine sector. In particular, the state-of-the-art simulation methods and the possibility to carry out full scale validation of our new products will keep us at the forefront of new technology development,” says Arto Lehtinen, Vice President, Propulsion, Wärtsilä Ship Power.
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Caption: The Wärtsilä Propulsion Test Centre in Tuusula, Finland.
Media contacts:
Mr Elias Boletis
Director Propulsion Programs & Techn.
Wärtsilä Ship Power
Tel: + 31 416388525
elias.boletis@wartsila.com
Ms Marit Holmlund-Sund
Senior Manager Marketing, Communications, Ship Power
Wärtsilä Corporation
Tel: +358 10 709 1439
marit.holmlund-sund@wartsila.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 maximizes the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers.
In 2014, Wärtsilä's net sales totalled EUR 4.8 billion with approximately 17,700 employees. The company has operations in more than 200 locations in nearly 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland.
www.wartsila.com