Wärtsilä has received propulsion packages order from Sealion Shipping, the UK-based operator and manager of the Toisa fleet in September. The units are to be installed in a series of three Multi-Purpose Subsea and ROV Offshore Support Vessels (OSV), to be built at the ABG Shipyard in India.
The OSVs will be of Vik-Sandvik design, and for each vessel Wärtsilä will supply a propulsion package, which include diesel-electric propulsion system based on four 6-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 26 main generating sets. As part of the approximately EUR 30 million contract, Wärtsilä will also supply six thrusters and a complete automation and electrical distribution package based on its Low Loss Concept, to each of these DP2-class vessels.
According to Sealion Shipping’s Newbuilding Manager Ray Crosby, the Wärtsilä diesel-electric propulsion configuration was selected in order to enable a greater degree of flexibility for Remotely Operated Vehicle operations of the ships. “New vessels are needed to meet the higher demands in safety, dynamic positioning, and environmental standards. Wärtsilä has proven its ability to support owners and ship builders in solving the various technical problems associated with new construction,” Crosby adds.
Toisa currently operates seven Multi-Purpose Offshore Support Vessels (OSV) within its modern fleet of 24 various OSVs. In addition, the company has a further twelve vessels under construction, which will enter service in the near future.
Sealion has 60 Wärtsilä engines in operation
Sealion Shipping, the manager of Toisa fleet, trading in the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, offshore Brazil and in Southeast Asian waters, is a valued customer of Wärtsilä, with more than 60 Wärtsilä medium-speed engines in operation.
“Sealion ordered its first Vik-Sandvik design VS 483 vessel in 1997 and since then has ordered several upgraded versions of the same design. Wärtsilä has supplied these vessels with its engines, reduction gears, and controllable pitch propellers. The Mk4 design is the latest modification and incorporates a diesel-electric propulsion arrangement. We have worked very closely with Sealion to develop the new design and to find the optimum propulsion solution in each case,” says Paul Bennett, Ship Power Sales, Wärtsilä in the UK.
Vik-Sandvik was acquired by Wärtsilä in July 2008. This acquisition was a major step in Wärtsilä’s strategy to strengthen its position as a total solutions provider.
More about this acquisition can be read in the press release of 3 July, 2008 at:
Wärtsilä aims to become a leader in ship design – acquires global ship design group Vik-Sandvik
Media contact:
Ms Marit Holmlund-Sund
Senior Manager, PR and Marketing Communications
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 18,000 professionals manning 160 locations in 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on the Nordic Exchange in Helsinki, Finland. www.wartsila.com
