Wärtsilä equipment package to deliver high efficiency for a new LNG vessel
The technology group Wärtsilä’s integrated propulsion and cargo handling solution will deliver high efficiency for a new 30,000 cbm LNG vessel, the company said in its release. The ship is being built at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) in South Korea on behalf of Norway based Knutsen OAS Shipping. The Wärtsilä solutions will ensure effective interfacing between the vessel’s propulsion, onboard auxiliary power generation, and cargo control processes. Such integration is essential in achieving full fuel-efficiency. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in January 2019, and the contract includes an option for an additional sister vessel.
The advanced Wärtsilä cargo handling system includes the fuel supply, cargo control system, boil-off gas (BOG) reliquefaction, and safety management. The 5-cylinder WinGD X52DF dual-fuel main engine and the Wärtsilä auxiliary dual-fuel engines are essential consumers for the BOG management system, which monitors and controls the cryogenic cargo, to ensure, in combination with a Wärtsilä developed mixed refrigerant re-liquefaction unit, all time control over the cargo tank pressure and temperature. The vessel will be one of the first LNG carriers in its size to be equipped with space-saving C-type bi-lobe cargo tanks.
The scope of supply includes three Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel auxiliary engines that power the board net, thrusters, cargo control system, and re-liquefaction module. The main engine and single Wärtsilä Controllable Pitch Propeller system allow the vessel to operate at its highest fuel efficiency design point, in a combinator mode controlling the shaft power, pitch and speed.
The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery in 2020, and the vessel is expected to be delivered during the first half of 2021.
Under a 12-year long term charter, the vessel will be operated by Knutsen and chartered to Edison S.p.A, a leading Italian energy services provider. It will be used to supply coastal LNG Deposit terminals in Italy.
Wärtsilä in brief:
Wärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising sustainable innovation, total efficiency and data analytics, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2018, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 5.2 billion with approximately 19,000 employees. The company has operations in over 200 locations in more than 80 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
Knutsen OAS Shipping in brief:
Knutsen OAS Shipping, a Norwegian company, has first class experience in quality transportation of liquid natural gas, crude oil, oil products and chemicals. At the moment, Knutsen has in total 46 vessels in operation, 31 shuttle tankers including 2 FSO’s (Floating Storage and Offloading units), 4 product tankers, and 11 LNG carriers. The company has in addition three LNG carriers and three shuttle tankers under construction”.
Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) in brief:
HMD was founded in 1975, initially to carry out ship repairs and conversion projects. In 1996 the company entered the newbuilding market, and has since established a strong reputation for its medium-sized conventional and specialized vessels. To date HMD has built more than 800 vessels. In 2001 the company was selected as being the World’s Best Shipbuilding Yard by Lloyds List Maritime.
