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Wärtsilä and Cryonorm Systems BV, a Netherlands-based developer and supplier of cryogenic vaporisers, have reached an agreement to supply LNG systems to the inland waterway market, according to a statement released today.

Wärtsilä states that the partnership's main aim is to "create a standard LNG fuel system for inland waterway vessels that will achieve lower costs, while also reducing the lead time for the system so as to conform with the short building time of these vessels".

Wärtsilä says it has analysed several inland waterway vessel types and identified five as potential targets for an LNG fuel system. The consortium plans to offer a specialised version of Wärtsilä's LNGPac [pictured] gas fuel supply system, which the company asserts will "facilitate the use of clean burning LNG fuel by reducing costs and maintenance requirements, while also simplifying onboard installation".

The LNGPac system was introduced in 2010, and consists of a complete system for LNG fuel handing including a bunkering station, tank connection space, and an LNG tank, as well as other necessary equipment.

Commenting on the expected benefits of the adapted system, Wärtsilä said: "By upgrading the system into a more compact and technically advanced version, safety and reliability will be enhanced, while the capital and operating expenditures (CAPEX & OPEX) will be reduced."

Yves Bui, General Manager of Fuel Gas Handling at Wärtsilä Ship Power, stated that the company envisages "good potential for LNG as a fuel for inland waterway vessels because of its environmental sustainability and competitive pricing".

Cryonorm Systems BV is a leading supplier of turnkey onboard LNG systems. The company is also involved in the design and sales of LNG satellite plants and LNG ship bunkering plants.

Wärtsilä is a major manufacturer of power sources for the marine and energy markets. The company is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, and has employs more than 18,000 employees in over 70 countries.