Third Wärtsilä package for new tanker

Wärtsilä is to supply an integrated propulsion package for a 10,600dwt tanker of FKAB Marine Design that is under construction at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou) Dingheng. The vessel is the third tanker equipped with a similar Wärtsilä scope of supply for UK-based owner Pritchard-Gordon Tankers Ltd (PGT).

The Helsinki-based technology group will supply a Wärtsilä 32 main engine, gearbox, shaft generator, controllable pitch propeller, an EnergoPac efficiency rudder, a ProTouch propulsion control system, a selective catalytic reduction system, and an Open Water lubricated stern tube.

The tanker owner’s New Build manager, Richard Groves, said: “The tanker sector is under increasing pressure to lessen its carbon footprint, and we are committed to having a fleet that is highly efficient and provides greater flexibility for new sustainable technologies and future fuels. For this reason, we are delighted to have the propulsion package supplied by Wärtsilä, a company with an outstanding track record in developing sustainable engine technology. Their support throughout the vessel design development process has been very much appreciated.”

Wärtsilä Marine’s sales manager for Newbuild, UK & Ireland, commented: “The integrated package approach is very much in demand as the industry moves rapidly towards greater efficiencies and decarbonised operations. These three new vessels feature the very well proven and reliable Wärtsilä 32 main engine. The engine not only optimises fuel consumption but also has the ability to operate on various types of fuel today while being an engine design platform ready for future fuel marine market requirements. We are delighted to support Pritchard-Gordon Tankers with solutions that will complement its fleet renewal programme.”

Wärtsilä said that the equipment for the first two ships is due to be delivered this year. For the third vessel, systems will be delivered in 2025 and 2026.