Wärtsilä, the marine industry’s leading solutions provider, has donated a controllable pitch propulsion system to the Engineering Department at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. A dedication ceremony on April 24, served as recognition of the full scale training equipment that will be installed in an engineering lab at the USMMA campus in Kings Point, New York.
The donated equipment includes a Wärtsilä 4D 775 controllable pitch propeller (CPP), 3.4 meters/11.2 feet in diameter, complete with the propeller shaft, stern tube with bearings, forward and after stern tube seals, rope guard, and a hydraulic shaft coupling. Wärtsilä has also donated the Lipstronic 7000 propulsion control system, bridge, wing and engine room control stations, operator’s display and power supply to provide the complete CPP system. This propulsion package offers the Midshipmen of USMMA the hands-on experience of understanding and managing such equipment as future leaders of the shipping industry.
The engineering students enrolled in ship operations, system design and shipyard management classes will have these full-scale tools that are housed in the Academy’s labs. The CPP system also provides opportunity for the marine transportation students to have a greater understanding of ship propulsion systems.
Wärtsilä is a leading company designing and producing controllable pitch propellers for a large range of vessels, including merchant, special, offshore and cruise vessels. The Wärtsilä controllable pitch propeller is a unique product, its first design dates back to 1903. This wealth of experience together with the latest innovative designs is reason for the more than 10,000 installations installed and sailing worldwide.
The Industry – Education relationship between Wärtsilä and Kings Point dates back over 35 years. Wärtsilä has supported the Academy and its midshipman throughout the years. The most noteworthy equipment supplied prior to the current CPP donation includes a large two stroke RND68 engine, an operational 8 cylinder Wärtsilä medium speed engine and many engine components.
“To partially offset the high costs of fuel it has been proven that quick efficiency gains occur through the efforts of trained crews and staff. Our CPP system donation supports the education and training of our future maritime leaders. The midshipmen now have the opportunity to observe, operate and work on this critical ship’s system prior to attending a vessel’s dry-docking period. This donation aligns with Wärtsilä’s focus to support the maritime industry with their ‘shorter routes to bigger profits’,” stated Paul Glandt, Sales Manager, Wärtsilä North America, Inc.
To mark the occasion, Wärtsilä hosted a gathering at USMMA’s Wiley Hall to celebrate the donation and highlight the educational advancement that this equipment will provide to the midshipmen of the academy.
For more information please contact:
Ms Amy Reynolds
Communications
Wärtsilä North America
Tel. +1 281 233 6228
Amy.reynolds@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 2011, Wärtsilä's net sales totalled EUR 4.2 billion with approximately 18,000 employees. The company has operations in nearly 170 locations in 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland.
Wärtsilä North America in brief
Wärtsilä established its U.S. operations in 1979 through its subsidiary Wärtsilä North America, Inc., today headquartered in Houston, TX. Seven regional offices are located across the U.S. and include Wärtsilä Defense, Inc. supporting U.S. government marine vessels. Wärtsilä serves the energy, marine and defense markets in the U.S.