Two seven-cylinder Sulzer RT flex60C engines have been ordered to propel two 13,200 tdw containerised reefer ships contracted at Estaleiros Navais de Viana do Castelo in Portugal. Each 7RT flex60C engine will have a maximum continuous output of 16,520 kW (22,470 bhp) at 114 rev/min. These engines will be built at Wärtsilä’s Trieste factory in Italy.
The ships have been contracted by the Agricultural Export Co (Agrexco) through Münchmeyer, Petersen GmbH & Co KG in Hamburg. They are highly-sophisticated 21.3-knot refrigerated cargo ships designated Flexcon 21 that are able to carry various cargoes. The Flexcon 21 design originates from Schiffko in Hamburg.
Both ships are due for delivery in 2003. They will be employed on a 15-year long-term charter to transport agricultural products on a weekly schedule from the Eastern Mediterranean to Marseilles and Barcelona.
Initially, Agrexco sounded out possibilities to build in Poland, Croatia, China, Romania and the Netherlands before finally deciding on the Viana do Castelo yard in Portugal. Large sections of the ships, including modules such as the complete accommodation, will be fabricated in Germany.
Agrexco’s decision to power their vessels with the newly developed Sulzer 7RT flex60C common-rail engines is based on their confidence in the Sulzer name, design and technological innovation. The owner’s expectations in operational economy and reaching the highest environmental standards created a clear preference for the innovative RT-flex technology.
The first Sulzer RT flex production engine is currently being erected in the Ulsan works of the Wärtsilä licensee Hyundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd. It is a 6RT flex58T B engine for installation in a Handymax bulk carrier building for Gypsum Transportation Ltd. This ship is due for delivery in July 2001.
Marit Holmlund-Sund
Public Relations Manager, Marine & Licensing
Wärtsilä Corporation
Direct tel: +358-10 709 1628
Direct fax: +358-10 709 1373
e-mail:marit.holmlund-sund@wartsila.com
Internet: www.wartsila.com
