---

Wartsila Ship Design has introduced a new optimised stern trawler design that the company says will reduce fuel consumption and notably increase overall vessel efficiency compared to currently available designs.

The propulsion system is based upon the Wartsila 31 engine, which has been recognised by Guinness World Records as being the world's most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine. The design also incorporates Wartsila's hybrid battery technology, which is designed to offer a significant energy efficiency improvement over conventional systems by running the engine at optimal load and absorbing many of the load fluctuations using batteries.

According to Wartsila, the VS 6215 ST stern trawler design has a "unique" aft ship layout. Furthermore, the Finnish firm claims the combination of an optimised hull and a propulsion system driven by the Wartsila 31 engine "sets this design apart from anything seen before in this market segment".

In addition to the hybrid battery technology, the design also incorporates Wartsila's two-speed gearbox for further reductions in fuel consumption and emissions.

"Stern trawlers can be out fishing for up to 350 days a year and fuel consumption is, therefore, an extremely relevant consideration. Our new design features the very latest technologies, and has been developed to offer the fishing industry lower fuel costs and greater possibilities for profitable operations," said Riku-Pekka Hagg, Vice President, Ship Design, Wartsila Marine Solutions.

"The design of the 82-metre-long vessel emphasises sea-keeping and stability. The factory capacity is 80T/24h. Wartsila's unmatched integration capabilities through its extensive portfolio of products, systems, and solutions enable the best possible level of efficiency to be realised," Wartsila added.

The Wartsila VS 6215 ST stern trawler design is also being featured at the company's stand at the Nor-Fishing 2016 conference and exhibition, which is being held in Trondheim, Norway, between 16th and 19th August.