Wärtsilä Corporation, Press release, Trade & Technical press 02.11.2001
Orders are building up for Sulzer RT flex diesel engines, which are the world’s first low-speed marine engines to have common-rail fuel injection. Wärtsilä Corporation reports orders for six RT flex engines, of which the first is already installed in the bulk carrier “Gypsum Centennial”.
The first Sulzer RT flex engine successfully completed its sea trials in September 2001 in the self-unloading bulk carrier “Gypsum Centennial” of Gypsum Transportation Ltd. This Sulzer 6RT flex58T B engine, of 11,275 kW (15,350 bhp) output, was built under licence by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd.
Most recently, Wärtsilä has received an order for two Sulzer RT flex engines to be installed in two 30,000 tdw multipurpose carriers contracted at Shanghai Shipyard in China by Chinese-Polish Joint Stock Shipping Co (Chipolbrok). Each vessel will be propelled by a seven-cylinder Sulzer RT-flex60C engine with a maximum continuous output of 16,520 kW (22,470 bhp) at 114 rev/min.
For each vessel, Wärtsilä will also supply three Wärtsilä 6L20 auxiliary engines with a combined output of 3060 kW (4160 bhp) at 900 rev/min.
These vessels will be able to carry diverse dry bulk cargoes such as grain, coal, ore, etc., as well as containers (about 2000TEU) and are fitted with 640-tonne heavy-lift cranes. The vessel’s principal dimensions are 199.8m long overall, 27.8 m beam, and 10.3m design draft. The service speed will be more than 19 knots. After delivery in 2003, the vessels will operate between Europe and East Asia.
Chipolbrok’s expectations in operational economy and reaching the highest environmental standards created a clear preference for the innovative RT flex technology.
Two Sulzer 7RT flex60C engines have also been ordered for two 13,200 tdw containerised reefer ships contracted at Estaleiros Navais de Viana do Castelo in Portugal by Agricultural Export Co (Agrexco). These two 16,520 kW (22,470 bhp) engines will be supplied by Wärtsilä’s Trieste factory in Italy, with ship deliveries due in 2003.
Finally, another Sulzer 6RT flex58T B engine has been ordered from the licensee Diesel United Ltd in Aioi, Japan, for a 105,400 tdw Aframax tanker building at Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd for the Italian owner Scinicariello Ship Management. Delivery of the ship is due in mid 2003.
The features of the Sulzer RT-flex
The Sulzer RT-flex engine is a major advance in diesel technology. Applying common-rail fuel injection to large, low-speed engines brings user benefits, which are sure to expand with further development in the future.
A visible benefit is the simpler mechanical design, without the camshaft and its drive, fuel injection pumps, valve actuation pumps and reversing servomotors. It also makes engine maintenance easier, and removes a source of vibration in the engine.
The lack of visible exhaust smoke at any operating speed is another visible benefit. But, for future developments, the RT-flex system opens the way for reduced levels of other exhaust emissions.
The combination of common-rail injection and valve actuation with full electronic control gives unrivalled flexibility in the way the engines operate, to deliver benefits such as lower exhaust emissions, lower fuel consumption at part load, and better manoeuvring ability.
Slow-running capability is greatly improved. For example, the RT-flex engine in the “Gypsum Centennial” could be run steadily at speeds down to 12 rev/min.
Leena Vanhanen
Public Relations Manager, Marine & Licensing
Wärtsilä Corporation
Direct tel: +358 10 709 5413
Direct fax: +358 10 709 5722
e-mail:leena.vanhanen@wartsila.com
Internet: www.wartsila.com
