Drydocks World (DDW) based in Dubai, UAE, has contracted Wärtsilä to design and supply the propulsion and other equipment for a new harbour tug that will operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG). This will be the first harbour tug in the Middle
East region to operate on gas. The order was signed in November.
The 29 metre long tug is the first of a series of nine such vessels to be built and operated by DDW. The project is part of a ‘green’ initiative launched by the Dubai
government, and is intended to set an example for promoting environmental sustainability throughout the region.
“We are happy to work with Wärtsilä to promote a green image for our harbour work. Wärtsilä is a solution
provider with vast experience and expertise in gas fuel systems. The company has a strong local presence and is capable of providing the support needed,” says Mr Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman DDW.
Wärtsilä is to provide a full
scope of solutions for this Eco tug, emphasising both the company’s leading position in enabling the use of LNG as a marine fuel, and its unique capability to provide a full range of solutions from initial design to lifecycle support. In all, Wärtsilä
will supply the ship design, two 9-cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel engines, Wärtsilä Steerable Thrusters (WST), type WST-18 Compact thrusters, the automation equipment, and the Wärtsilä LNGPac system.
The Wärtsilä
LNGPac is a complete fuel gas handling system for LNG fuelled ships. It includes the bunkering station, the LNG tank and related process equipment, as well as the control and monitoring system.
With the Wärtsilä WST-18 thrusters,
this tug will be equipped with one of the most advanced products in the marine industry. These units, which are part of the new Wärtsilä Steerable Thruster (WST) Compact series, provide optimal efficiency, high hydrodynamic performance and easier
maintenance. By achieving outstanding efficiency at different power outputs, the WST Compact series reduces fuel consumption, thereby further lowering the vessel’s environmental footprint.
“The shift towards the use of LNG fuel
is building up speed across the world. We at Wärtsilä feel proud that we have been at the forefront of this movement, first through the development of dual-fuel engine technology, and then by developing a full range of integrated solutions serving
the complete gas value chain. This will be the first harbour tug in the Middle East to operate on gas, which indicates the growing importance of environmental issues everywhere,” says Mr Ibrahim Behairy, Sales Director, Middle East, Wärtsilä
Ship Power.
The Wärtsilä 20DF engine
The Wärtsilä 20DF is a medium-speed dual-fuel engine that can be run on either natural gas, marine diesel oil (MDO), or heavy fuel oil (HFO). The engine
can smoothly switch from gas to MDO/HFO and vice versa during operation without power interruption. The use of Wärtsilä’s dual fuel engine technology enables vessels to sail without restrictions in Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs)
and Nitrogen Emission Control Areas (NECAs). Natural gas is the most environmentally sound fuel today, and it fulfils current actual and known future marine emissions legislation.
- Information about the Wärtsilä 20DF engine: Link
to Wärtsilä 20DF on wartsila.com
- Benefits
featured in the LNGPac are illustrated in animation: Link to LNGPac on Youtube
- Information about the LNGPac features:
Link to LNGPac on wartsila.com
- Information about the Wärtsilä WST Compact
thruster series: Link to Wärtsilä Steerable Thruster (WST) Compact series
- Information about Wärtsilä Ship Design for special vessels: Link to Wärtsilä Ship Design, special vessels on wartsila.com
Image of the tug
Link to image
Caption: Mr Ibrahim Behairy, Sales
Director, Middle East, Wärtsilä Ship Power and Mr Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman DDW.
Media contacts:
Mr Ibrahim Behairy
Sales Director, Middle East
Wärtsilä Ship Power.
Tel:
+971 48857222
ibrahim.behairly@wartsila.com
Ms Marit Holmlund-Sund
Senior Manager Marketing, Communications, Ship Power
Wärtsilä
Corporation
Tel: +358 10 709 1439
marit.holmlund-sund@wartsila.com
Wärtsilä in brief:
Wärtsilä
is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising technological innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximizes the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power
plants of its customers.
In 2013, Wärtsilä's net sales totalled EUR 4.7 billion with approximately 18,700 employees. The company has operations in more than 200 locations in nearly 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä
is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland.
www.wartsila.com
