EMEA News
Wartsila To Power 15 LNG Barges For Shell Charter
Wartsila Monday announced it will supply dual-fuel main engines to 15 inland waterway barges powered primarily on liquefied natural gas (LNG) to be chartered by Shell in Europe.
It was said that Wartsila will also provide propulsion equipment and its LNGPac fuel gas handling system for the vessels.
"The development of LNG as a cleaner fuel for shipping is supported by Shell," said Wartsila, noting that the project required "environmental compliance, reliability, fuel flexibility, low operational costs, and a proven concept."
The 110 metre long barges will be used as part of Shell's operations in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp and Rhinetrack (Germany/Switzerland) regions, Wartsila said.
Belgium based Plouvier Transport N.V. will build the vessels, which will be chartered by Shell Trading Rotterdam, with the hulls currently being built at VEKA Shipyard CENTROMOST in Poland.
The full scope of supply was said to include 6-cylinder Wartsila 20DF dual-fuel main engines, gearbox, LNGPac fuel gas handling system, and Wartsila propeller with an HR nozzle, for each barge.
"In optimising the efficiency parameters for these 15 vessels, Wartsila was able to draw on its experience from the two latest dual-fuel powered inland waterway vessels with Wartsila DF engines," the company said.
The company said its equipment is scheduled for delivery to shipyards starting in June 2016.
Earlier this month, Ship & Bunker reported that Wartsila signed an agreement to provide scrubbers and propulsion for two new Algoma bulk carriers in the Great Lakes.
