New LNG Bunkering Vessel to Be Equipped with Wärtsilä Propulsion Solution

Wärtsilä will provide a dual fuel propulsion solution package for a LNG bunker and feeder vessel being built for Sirius Veder Gas AB.

Wärtsilä Corporation (Wärtsilä) Monday announced that it has been selected to provide a dual fuel propulsion solution that "features high power output and reduced fuel consumption in both gas and diesel modes," to a new 5800 m3 a liquid natural gas (LNG) bunker and feeder vessel.

The solution is said to include a 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF dual-fuel main engine capable of running on either LNG or diesel, which will be able to meet the International Maritime Organization's (IMO's) Tier III NOx emission regulations without secondary exhaust cleaning systems when in gas mode.

The package will also include a shaft line suitable for use with environmentally friendly lubricants.

The vessel, which is reported to be set for long-term charter with Skangass Ltd. upon delivery in February 2017, is being constructed at Dutch shipyard, Royal Bodewes in Hoogezand, for Sirius Veder Gas AB.

"Since Wärtsilä introduced dual-fuel engine technology, more than 1300 Wärtsilä DF engines have been ordered," explained Göran Österdahl, General Manager of Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.

"Similarly, bunkering and feeder vessels such as this one are also increasingly taking advantage of our proven technology."

Jan Valkier, CEO of Anthony Veder, commenting on the announcement, said "we are committed to developing energy-efficient solutions for small to mid-size LNG shipping.

"The use of LNG as a marine fuel is rapidly increasing and there is growing demand for efficient bunker and feeder vessels."

Wärtsilä says its propulsion solution equipment is scheduled for delivery to the shipyard in 2016.

In August, Wärtsilä announced that it would be providing dual-fuel engines for what it says is the world's first dredger to run on both LNG and conventional marine fuel.