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Wärtsilä, the marine industry's leading ship power systems integrator, is to supply the main engines for 40 new bunkering tankers being built for the Brightoil Petroleum Group, China.

In terms of the number of engines, this is one of the largest-ever orders received by Wärtsilä Ship Power. It has a total value of more than EUR 23 million.

Hong Kong-listed Brightoil Petroleum has ordered a total of 40 bunkering tankers, each to be powered by two 6-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 20 medium-speed engines. The company recently signed a contract for the 10 first bunkering tankers with a shipyard in Zhejiang, China. The vessels will be launched in June 2012.

Delivery of the first 10 engines is scheduled to take place between December 2010 and June 2011. Wärtsilä has also signed an 8-year spare parts and technical services agreement with Brightoil for all 80 engines.

"Wärtsilä has a fine reputation for both quality and reliability, and is able to support its customers and ship power solutions with a truly global service network. We are, therefore, very pleased to co-operate with Wärtsilä in this major project," said Mr. Tan Bo, Vice President of Brightoil.

The bunkering tankers will be of two sizes, 4100 dwt and 7000 dwt, and both designs have the same power configuration utilizing a twin-screw propulsion solution.

Some of the vessels will operate in Chinese waters and will be CCS classified. The remainder will trade in international waters and be classified by Bureau Veritas (BV). Brightoil will itself operate the vessels.

Commenting on its 20 medium-speed engine Wärtsilä said "The Wärtsilä 20 medium-speed engine offers a remarkable combination of state-of-the-art design and top-class performance in a compact, space-saving package. Launched in 1992, its almost pipe-free, operator-friendly, and heavy duty design initiated a new era in the development of medium-speed engines. Unmatched in its power range, the Wärtsilä 20 was originally designed to operate reliably with even the poorest quality heavy fuel (HFO), making it the ultimate in reliable performance using light diesel oils."

Overhaul intervals of up to 24,000 hours and maintenance-friendly design are just some of the features that have resulted in the Wärtsilä 20 achieving an installed base of more than 2000 engines.

"In addition to its reliable and proven heavy fuel technology, the Wärtsilä 20's low operating costs and low NOx emissions were important elements in winning this unique order," said Wim Knoester, Deputy General Manager, Ship Power, Wärtsilä in China.

"Other factors include our worldwide 24/7 service network, Wärtsilä's excellent reputation as a supplier of propulsion solutions, and the fact that vessels equipped with Wärtsilä engines hold their value well. We are looking forward to a long and successful partnership with Brightoil," added Knoester.