Wärtsilä Tech Chosen for "New Type" of Highly Efficient Dual Fuel LNG Carrier

Wärtsilä says it has been selected to provide the complete cargo handling and propulsion systems to a "new type" of LNG carrier.

Wärtsilä Thursday announced that it has been selected to provide the complete cargo handling system, including the fuel and main propulsion systems, to a "new type" of high efficiency dual fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, currently being built for Singapore-based Saga LNG Shipping.

"This will be a very modern and highly efficient LNG Carrier and we were selected because our technologies in both the propulsion equipment and cargo handling are world leading," said Timo Koponen, Wärtsilä's Vice President of Flow and Gas Solutions.

Wärtsilä says, as part of the package set for delivery in late 2016, the 45,000 m3 capacity carrier will receive a 12-cylinder Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel main engine, 6 and 8-cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel generating sets, Wärtsilä controllable pitch propeller, a Wärtsilä Energopac efficiency rudder, gearbox, and tunnel thruster.

The cargo and propulsion system pacakge is said to be designed to glean "notable savings in operating costs" through the maximisation of the vessel's overall efficiency.

"The new ship has been designed for worldwide trade of LNG, but with special consideration given to the reloading of cargoes and local and regional trading," said Koponen.

"Therefore, the cargo handling system and the fuel efficiency of the engine have to be the most efficient possible."

Wärtsilä notes that its cargo handling system for LNG carriers uses an integrated fuel system with compressors and forced vaporizing, as well as "state-of-the-art" automation and safety control systems.

The vessel, which is slated for delivery in early 2018, is reported to be under construction at China Merchants Heavy Industry's shipyard in China's Eastern Jiangsu province.

In March, Wärtsilä announced the launch of four new LNG carrier designs to take the company into the "gas age."