Wärtsilä to supply total propulsion package for world’s largest semi-submersible heavy lift vessel

Wärtsilä Corporation, Trade press release 19 April 2011 at 16:00 UTC+2

Wärtsilä, the marine industry’s leading solutions integrator, has been awarded the contract to supply a total propulsion package for a new semi-submersible heavy lift vessel. With an overall length of 270 metres, this ship is the largest of its type ever to be built.

The scope of supply for the contract specifies two Wärtsilä 6L38 engines and two Wärtsilä 12V38 engines for the ship’s main propulsion, and one Wärtsilä 6L20 auxiliary engine. Wärtsilä will also supply the reduction gear system, two controllable pitch propellers, two retractable thrusters and one bow thruster. The equipment has been ordered by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd who will build the ship for the owner and operator, Dockwise Shipping BV, the Netherlands-based provider of transportation and logistics services for heavy marine applications. The vessel is scheduled to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2012.

The unique design of the vessel represents a new generation in heavy lift transport ships. It is an entirely fresh concept that is capable of transporting complete Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units for the offshore industry.

In announcing the award of this contract, Arthur Boogaard, General Manager, Business Sales, Wärtsilä Ship Power commented: “This is a major project and a very important vessel that will be operating around the world. It is the largest ship of its type ever built with a unique and new design, and it is, therefore, a great honour for Wärtsilä to have been selected to supply the entire propulsion solution and other equipment. Our strong reputation as the industry’s leading systems integrator was a critical factor in the selection process. We have also enjoyed a long term relationship with Dockwise, and have successfully partnered them in other major projects.”

Dockwise Shipping BV currently operates a fleet of 19 semi-submersible heavy transport vessels, which is the largest and most versatile fleet of its type in the world.

For further information, please contact:

Mr Arthur Boogaard
General Manager
Business Sales
Wärtsilä Ship Power
Tel: +31 651 381 811
arthur.boogaard@wartsila.com

Mirja-Maija Santala
Media Manager
Wärtsilä Corporation
Tel. +358 (0)400 793 827
mirja-maija.santala@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 maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers.
In 2010, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 4.6 billion with more than 17,500 employees. The company has operations in 160 locations in 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland.
www.wartsila.com