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Finnish firm Wärtsilä says it has been contracted by Dubai-based Drydocks World (DDW) to design and supply the propulsion and other equipment for a new harbour tug that is to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG). The vessel is set to 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, which is intended to promote 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," commented Mr Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of 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," the Finnish firm said.

In all, Wärtsilä is contracted to supply the ship design, two 9-cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel engines [pictured], 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.

Commenting on the WST-18 thrusters, Wärtsilä said: "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."

Ibrahim Behairy, Sales Director, Middle East, Wärtsilä Ship Power, remarked: "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."

The Wärtsilä 20DF engine

The Wärtsilä 20DF is a medium-speed dual-fuel engine that is designed to run on either natural gas, marine diesel oil (MDO), or heavy fuel oil (HFO), and to easily 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," Wärtsilä said.

Image: The Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel engine