As part of its fleet renewal programme focusing on increasing efficiency and reducing emissions, James Fisher and Sons plc has ordered four new 6,000 dwt LNG-fuelled tankers. Each vessel will be equipped with a fully integrated mechanical drive propulsion package, centred around the Wärtsilä 25DF dual-fuel main engine. The engine and integrated propulsion have an important role to play in helping the company to achieve its long-term sustainability goals.
James Fisher and Sons plc (James Fisher) is expanding its fleet of tankers with new fuel-efficient LNG-fuelled vessels to lower emissions and meet growing market demands.
Each new vessel will be powered by a Wärtsilä 25DF dual-fuel main engine. These modular and highly efficient engines can run on LNG, significantly reducing emissions. Because the engine platform is flexible it can also be easily updated to use another fuel when required, making it a future-proof choice that will help facilitate James Fisher’s adoption of sustainable fuels.
The new tankers will also feature an integrated selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to further reduce NOx emissions, a gas valve unit (GVU), a gearbox and a controllable pitch propeller (CPP) supplied by Wärtsilä. The vessels will also be equipped with Wärtsilä's ProTouch remote propulsion control system, which is easy to use and improves situational awareness for operators.
"We are committed to a new, more sustainable future for our shipping operations, and Wärtsilä's expertise in delivering innovative propulsion solutions has been demonstrated throughout the vessel design development process," explains Krystyna Tsochlas, Head of Maritime Transport for James Fisher. "The dual-fuel engine will help us to serve our customers in a more efficient and less carbon-intensive way."
Wärtsilä's integrated propulsion system design is a proven solution based on the company's long-established expertise in marine power systems. James Fisher and its design consultant FKAB were impressed with the design of the propulsion package and the accompanying systems integration documentation as well as the commissioning and project management processes. They also appreciated Wärtsilä’s efficiency optimisation throughout the vessel design development process.
James Fisher chose the propulsion package based on its superior efficiency and performance. This is primarily due to the engine’s reduced fuel consumption and emissions but is also the result of its high mechanical performance and its capability as a direct-drive propulsion main engine. The company also valued the modern and flexible nature of the Wärtsilä 25DF engine platform and Wärtsilä’s strong expertise in both systems integration and project management.
James Fisher's new vessels are being built by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou) Dingheng Co Ltd. Delivery of the Wärtsilä equipment is mainly scheduled to take place during 2025, helping James Fisher to reach its goal of more fuel-flexible, sustainable and efficient tanker operations.
Deliver efficient low-emissions tankers while future-proofing the fleet.
Wärtsilä 25DF dual-fuel engine, integrated SCR system and fully integrated propulsion package with Wärtsilä ProTouch remote propulsion control system.
Fuel flexibility and optimised consumption by operating profile, leading to low emissions and future-proofed vessels.
Image author: © James Fisher and Sons plc
