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A new fishing vessel being built by Simek AS in Norway on behalf of the U.K. operator Antares (Whalsay) Fishing Company Ltd, is to feature an integrated Wärtsilä propulsion solution, which is to include a main engine, controllable pitch propeller and gearbox.

According to Wärtsilä, the 2-speed gearbox, PTO/PTI, and floating frequency solution will provide the vessel with "high levels of operational efficiency and flexibility in different operating modes", which were said to be important considerations in the award of the contract. The agreement was signed in June.

The new fishing vessel is to be powered by a 12-cylinder Wärtsilä 32 main engine, and operate in the fishing fields around the Shetland Islands in the north of Scotland. The Wärtsilä machinery is scheduled to be delivered in the spring of 2016, and the vessel is due to be handed over to the owners in December 2016.

"We needed to replace an existing vessel with a new more efficient design. It is very important that the ship is capable of reliable and efficient transit to and from the port and flexible trawling operations. We have experience with Wärtsilä machinery and are confident that it will fulfil all the needed operational requirements for the owners", commented Laurence Irvine (Skipper) and George Williamson (Chief Engineer).

"Wärtsilä has a strong position in the fishing vessel market, and we are pleased that we have once again been selected to provide the propulsion machinery needed to attain optimal efficiency for this modern vessel," remarked Aaron Bresnahan, Vice President, Sales, Wärtsilä Ship Power.

The 75.4-metre-long vessel was designed by Skipsteknisk AS, Norway.