Two new dry bulk carriers, being built for Canadian operator Algoma Central Corporation, will feature fully integrated Wärtsilä propulsion systems. The ships, which are being built at the 3 Maj Shipyard, Uljanik Group in Croatia, will also be installed with Wärtsilä closed loop scrubber systems. The contract with Wärtsilä was signed in September, and in addition to these two vessels, there is an option for three more.
This is a repeat order for Wärtsilä as the company was contracted to supply eight similar Algoma Equinox Class vessels with the same scope of supply in 2011, three of which are already in operation. The Wärtsilä scrubber systems enable the vessels to be in full compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marpol Annex VI regulations regardless of the fuel being used, and to meet scrubbing water discharge restrictions, thereby allowing them to operate on the North American Great Lakes.
“Repeat orders are the clearest endorsement of customer confidence, and we are extremely proud to be once again selected to provide integrated propulsion and scrubber systems. Wärtsilä’s unique capability as a single source supplier ensures an optimised and highly efficient total solution,” says Andrej Stopar, Sales Manager, Wärtsilä.
“The Equinox Class bulk carriers are the best Great Lakes vessels in their class. They combine high propulsion efficiency and environmental sustainability. The Wärtsilä scrubber system removes more than 97 percent of sulphur oxide emissions, which is extremely important for us. We are pleased to continue our cooperation with Wärtsilä and we have great confidence in their integrated solutions,” says Ken Bloch Soerensen, President and CEO, Algoma Central Corporation.
The full Wärtsilä scope for each vessel comprises a 5-cylinder Wärtsilä RT-flex50-D main engine, three 6-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 20 generating sets, a controllable pitch propeller, the transverse thrusters and the scrubber system. Delivery of the equipment to the yard will commence in June 2016.
Media Contacts
Mr Rolf Stiefel (for 2-stroke engines)
Vice President Sales and Marketing
Winterthur Gas & Diesel Ltd.
Tel.: +41 52 262 2686
Rolf.stiefel@wingd.com
Mr Johan Hanstén (for other Wärtsilä equipment)
Area Sales Director
Wärtsilä Marine Solutions
Tel: +358 10 709 1311
johan.hansten@wartsila.com
Ms Anna Garcia
Manager Marketing & Communications
Winterthur Gas & Diesel Ltd.
Tel: +41 52 264 85 50
anna.garcia@wingd.com
WinGD in brief
Winterthur Gas & Diesel Ltd. (WinGD) is a leading developer of two-stroke low-speed gas and diesel engines used for propulsion power in merchant shipping. WinGD’s target is to set the industry standard for reliability, efficiency and environmental friendliness. WinGD provides designs, licences and technical support to manufacturers, shipbuilders and ship operators worldwide. The engines are sold under the Wärtsilä brand name and are manufactured under licence in four shipbuilding countries. WinGD has its headquarters in Winterthur, Switzerland where, as one of the earliest exponents of diesel technology, it started the development of large internal combustion engines in 1898 under the “Sulzer” name.