L'Astrolabe Becomes First Ship with IMO Tier III EIAPP Certified Wärtsilä Engines

L'Astrolabe is the first vessel operating with IMO Tier III EIAPP certified Wärtsilä diesel engines. Image Credit: Wärtsilä

Wärtsilä Corporation (Wärtsilä) today announced that the L'Astrolabe has become the first vessel operating with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III Engine International Air Pollution Prevention (EIAPP)-certified Wärtsilä diesel engines.

Built by PIRIOU for the French Southern and Antarctic Lands Administration, the 72-metre polar logistics vessel features a complete Wärtsilä propulsion machinery package and Wärtsilä NOx Reducer (NOR) Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust gas cleaning systems for all the main engines.

"We have been pleased to deliver this combination of engines and SCR systems in the same scope of supply, and take full responsibility for exhaust gas emissions, performance, documentation, statutory approvals and certification," said Juha Kytölä, Vice President of Environmental Solutions at Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.

"Such packages are convenient for shipyards and ship operators, and triggered by IMO regulations are expected to be specified by an increasing number of shipyards and ship owners. The engine needs to be SCR compatible, and the SCR should be fit for purpose. It has been a pleasure to work with Chantiers Piriou."

Wärtsilä notes that the IMO Tier III EIAPP certification was issued by Bureau Veritas, carried out according to Scheme B based on the requirements of IMO Resolution MEPC.198(62).

L'Astrolabe will be used to transport personnel and supplies to the Dumont d'Urville research station in Antarctica.

"For this type of vessel operating in the most challenging ice and weather conditions, the engine selection had to be carefully made. We know and respect Wärtsilä's capabilities and technical know-how, and we are confident that we have made the best possible choice for this important vessel," said Vincent Faujour, PIRIOU's CEO.