Slow steaming upgrade kit

For ships with RTA and RT-flex low-speed engines, Wärtsilä has introduced a Slow Steaming Upgrade Kit to enable ship owners and operators to achieve major savings in fuel costs through slow steaming their ships.

The kit both extends the load range of the engine for continuous operation, and provides a major reduction in the break specific fuel consumption (BSFC) in the low-load range. Low-speed two-stroke engines are normally operated at loads greater than 60% CMCR. The kit allows Wärtsilä low-speed marine engines to be operated continuously at any power within a range of 10% to 100% of the contracted maximum continuous rated (CMCR) power without additional operating restrictions.

When slow steaming without this kit’s modification, there is an increased risk of engine fouling and excessive component temperatures. This can occur in both RTA and RT-flex engine types when they are operated continuously below 50% engine load. The kit overcomes such problems, enabling the engines to operate continuously at any power down to 10% of their full installed power. The modified engine is not permanently derated, but can operate at any time up to its full installed power for full sea speed.

Video: Reduced fuel consumption for merchant fleet