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Finnish firm Wärtsilä has received an order to supply a comprehensive solutions package for a series Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Carriers being built for Danish operator Evergas, a leading transporter of petrochemical gases and natural gas liquids.

The vessels are being built at the Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (SOE) shipyard in China. In addition to LNG, the ships will be able to carry and reliquefy Ethane and LPGs with the cargo handling package supplied by Wärtsilä. In addition, Wärtsilä's scope of supply of the integrated systems order includes the dual-fuel engines and propulsion equipment.

"The customer's essential requirements for these vessels are to achieve the operational and fuel efficiencies needed to optimize their operating costs, while at the same time complying with the upcoming Tier III environmental regulations," said Aaron Bresnahan, Vice President Sales, Wärtsilä Ship Power. "The advanced technology solution to be provided by Wärtsilä, whereby the cargo handling system, the gas supply system, and the propulsion machinery are fully integrated with each other, will make the vessels the most modern and environmentally sustainable LNG carriers ever built."

Martin Ackermann, CEO of Evergas remarked: "We have enjoyed a lengthy and trusted relationship with Wärtsilä. This, together with Wärtsilä's relentless efforts in understanding and adapting to our demands, has enabled us to successfully achieve a total integrated solution. I am convinced that our DRAGON 27500 series will be a benchmark in the LNG carrier markets."

Efficiency and fuel savings are also gained through the Wärtsilä Energopac rudder, which because it streamlines the water flow from the propeller, lowers resistance and increases propulsion power.

The vessels will operate primarily on liquefied natural gas (LNG) using Wärtsilä dual-fuel engine technology. This will enable them to comply with current and anticipated environmental legislation, including the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) Tier III regulations.

The Wärtsilä technology also provides operational flexibility and redundancy, since it allows the possibility to utilize various conventional fuels in addition to LNG. The integrated LNG fuel system enables the vessel to operate on natural gas independently of the cargo carried.

The integrated systems contract enables a range of individual Wärtsilä solutions to be combined into a fully optimized package. Engineering and delivery of the complete cargo plant in combination with the gas fuel supply system and propulsion plant is enabling Wärtsilä to optimize the complete vessels energy consumption. For example, the LNG supply system is integrated with the cargo handling system so that it can be used to cool the cargo. In so doing, less energy and power is needed to keep the cargo temperature suitably low, thus providing a more efficient and environmentally sound overall system.