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Wärtsilä has announced the launch of its SK 5054 MkII [pictured] ship design - a further development and upgraded version of the SK 5054 design.

The launch of the new chemical and oil products tanker design took place this week at Wärtsilä's stand (Hall A4, Booth 305) at the SMM conference and exhibition in Hamburg, Germany.

The Wärtsilä SK 5054 ship design has been used for more than 60 vessels already built and in operation. The SK 5054 MkII version builds upon this foundation to offer what is described as "a reliable and environmentally sound ship design that incorporates the latest Wärtsilä technology applied to its broad offering of solutions". In particular, Wärtsilä points out that the new design facilitates the use of gas as a marine fuel, thereby making it especially applicable to ships that operate within Emission Control Areas (ECAs).

This new design is claimed to offer a 12 percent increase in energy efficiency over the original SK 5054 design. Other notable features include lower operational costs, an efficient cargo handling arrangement with minimised ballast capacity, an emphasis on ease of maintenance, and a strong focus on crew safety. The design also implements Wärtsilä's LNG fuel technology, for which the company's in-house knowledge concerning gas solutions has been utilized in the development work.

"The SK 5054 MkII design effectively raises the bar in terms of innovative designs that emphasise operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. In further improving an established and successful design to make it even better, we are meeting the needs of our customers for the challenges that the industry faces today, and at the same time, helping to take merchant shipping into the gas age," said Riku-Pekka Hägg, Vice President, Wärtsilä Ship Design.

"The new tanker design represents the basis for a successful integration of all relevant Wärtsilä products and solutions, thus enabling optimal performance throughout the vessel's lifecycle," Wärtsilä added.

Image: The upgraded SK5054 MkII tanker design.