Mumbai, Nov, 30 (EPC News): Wärtsilä is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine service, introduces conversion of 46 Dual Fuel (DF) engines to 50DF engines with mechanical propulsion and new LNG pac system.

Wartsila’s conversion of 46DF engines to 50DF engines with mechanical propulsion is the first marine installation in the world. Wartsila signed a turnkey project with Swedish, Tarbit Shipping for its implementation of this noval techniques. ‘Bit Viking’, the product tanker of Tarbit Shipping was the first vessel to undergo a conversion by Wartsila from heavy fuel oil to LNG operation.

The conversion enables the 'Bit Viking' to qualify for lower nitrogen oxide (NOX) emission taxes under the Norwegian NOX fund scheme, which means lower carbon oxide emissions, and virtually no sulphur oxide or particle emissions. The new LNG storage system enables safer and convenient onboard storage of LNG.

"Wärtsilä's unique expertise and experience with dual fuel technology, as well as with fuel conversion projects, were the main reasons for us choosing them. We appreciate the technological efficiency of the Wärtsilä solutions and the expert way in which this conversion project has been handled. We are proud that the 'Bit Viking' is now one of the world's most environmentally sustainable tankers in operation," says Anders Hermansson, Technical Manager, Tarbit Shipping. 

The engines are connected directly to the propeller shafts through a reduction gearbox, thus avoiding the electrical losses that are an unavoidable feature of diesel-electric configurations. This enables a significant improvement in propulsion efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and corresponding reductions in emissions. 

"This is a major step for Wärtsilä in consolidating its market leading position in LNG solutions for the shipping industry. The successful sea trials with this vessel provide yet further validation of the viability of LNG as the marine fuel of the future. We anticipate that this development will rapidly accelerate during the coming few years," says Sören Karlsson, General Manager, Gas Applications, Ship Power Technology.”

EPC News Bureau

Posted by: epcworld | Posted on:11/30/2011 at 9:13 AM