Wärtsilä HY hybrid tug design for Chinese market launched at Marintec
The technology group Wärtsilä has adapted its ground-breaking hybrid tug design to specifically meet the needs of the Chinese market. This version of the Wärtsilä HYTug has received an Approval-in-Principle recognition by the China Classification Society (CCS), the company said in its press release.
The Wärtsilä HYTug emphasises environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and lower fuel consumption than is possible with conventional tug designs. The design is based upon Wärtsilä’s ‘first-of-its-kind’ fully integrated hybrid power module. This combines engines, an energy storage system using batteries, and power electronics optimised to work together through a newly developed energy management system (EMS). It marks a new frontier in marine hybrid propulsion.
Since they typically operate in or close to harbours and populated areas, tugs are particularly affected by environmental considerations, and the need for regulatory compliance is an increasing concern for tug owners and operators worldwide. When operating in ‘green’ mode, it is unlikely that there will be any visible smoke from the Wärtsilä HYTug since the load is being picked-up by the batteries. At the same time, the noise level of the tug will be notably reduced.
The Wärtsilä HYTug provides numerous customer benefits through increased operational efficiency and flexibility, resulting in lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and improved vessel performance. The design is available in three different hull sizes, namely a 28m harbour tug with a 50t bollard pull, a 29.5m harbour tug with a 75t bollard pull, and a 35m escort tug with a 75t bollard pull. A bollard pull range of 40 to 90t can be covered with the appropriate Wärtsilä equipment modules. The propulsion configuration is such that each design comes with the option to select either diesel mechanical hybrid, or diesel electric hybrid propulsion.
The Wärtsilä HYTug with CCS Approval-in-Principle is to be announced at the Marintec conference and exhibition being held in Shanghai from December 5 to 8. Wärtsilä’s stand number is N2D51-9, Finnish Pavilion, Hall N2.
Wärtsilä in brief:
Wärtsilä is a global leader in advanced technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising sustainable innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2016, Wärtsilä's net sales totalled EUR 4.8 billion with approximately 18,000 employees. The company has operations in over 200 locations in more than 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
