Americas News
Wärtsilä Supplying "Largest Ever" North American LNG Technology to Totem Ocean
Wärtsilä Corp. (Wärtsilä) says it will supply dual-fuel technology to Totem Ocean Trailer Express (Totem Ocean) for the largest-ever North American liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel conversion.
Under the deal, Wärtsilä will supply main engines, generators, and integrated LNG storage and fuel gas handling systems for two roll-on/roll-off cargo ships, M.V. Midnight Sun and M.V. North Star, which transport food, vehicles, military supplies, and other goods to Alaska.
The conversion will reduce the vessels' particulate matter (PM) emissions by 91 percent, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 90 percent, carbon dioxide (CO2) by 35 percent, and eliminate sulfur oxide (SOx).
"It is an unprecedentedly exciting time to be in the maritime industry, said Wärtsilä President and CEO Björn Rosengren.
"Economic constraints and the need to comply with environmental legislation have combined to accelerate the switch to LNG fuel."
Totem Ocean President John Parrott said the company chose Wärtsilä for its proven technology.
"Maintaining reliable, on time service is critical to Totem Ocean's customers as well as the economy and citizens of Alaska," he said.
The Totem Ocean ships received an exemption from the North American Emissions Control Area (ECA) regulations in 2012, waiving emissions rules until September 2016 to allow time for the conversion to LNG.
