Wärtsilä gets order for supplying propulsion solutions to research vessels
Two new marine geological research vessels under construction in China will feature a broad scope of Wärtsilä engines and propulsion equipment. Wärtsilä has maintained a leading position in China for supplying propulsion solutions to research vessels. Since 2011, more than 70% of the research vessels built in Chinese yards have been fitted with Wärtsilä products. These latest contracts were placed with Wärtsilä in September.
The new vessels are being built at the Shanghai shipyard of CSSC (China State Shipbuilding Corporation) and the COSCO shipyard in Guangdong, on behalf of the Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology and the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey respectively. Wärtsilä’s strong track record and extensive experience in providing propulsion solutions to these types of ships were cited as being key considerations in the award of these contracts.
The first vessel for the Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology has a length of 79.8 metres and a deadweight of 4400 tons. For this ship Wärtsilä will supply four 9-cylinder and one 4-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 20 engines, two transverse thrusters and two sets of Wärtsilä Enviroguard Seals and Bearings. Delivery to the yard is scheduled for July 2016.
The second vessel for Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey has a length of 75.8 metres and its deadweight is 3300 tons. This ship will be powered by three 6-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 26 engines, one 4-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 20 engine, two WST-21 thrusters and two WTT-11 transverse thrusters. Equipment deliveries will commence in spring 2016. The Wärtsilä WTT-11 and WST-21 thrusters ordered for this vessel represent the latest developments in this technology.
Research vessels typically have different operating modes, thus requiring the propulsion machinery to have sufficient operational flexibility. Wärtsilä has been able to demonstrate that its solutions meet this requirement. Furthermore, in order to make optimal use of the propulsion, Wärtsilä also supports the research Institutes by providing hydrodynamic model testing.
Both vessels are expected to be delivered to the owners in 2017.
