Wärtsilä has been contracted to supply a 20DF dual-fuel engine [pictured] for a 38m "Guideship" to be built for South Korea's state-owned
Incheon Port Authority.
The 200 gross tonnage vessel is to be designed and built by
Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) in Korea on behalf of Incheon Port Authority and, once completed, will operate at the port taking passengers on various routes. The South Korean government has specified that environmental sustainability be a priority for the ship.
The in-line Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuelled engine with its 9 cylinders can operate on either gas or liquid fuel oils, and in gas mode is capable of meeting the most stringent emission regulations. The dual-fuel engine will have low emissions and will meet Tier III when in gas mode.
"The IPA’s Guideship, which is a green ship concept, is tremendously important as it clearly represents an industry trend. We are very proud that Wärtsilä's dual-fuel engine technology has been selected as the most suitable solution for this project and we are looking forward to getting much more orders for coastal vessels and environmental related markets. The fuel flexibility that our DF engines offer enables not only environmental sustainability, but fuel cost savings as well since these engines can operate on a wide range of fuels," said
Aaron Bresnahan, Vice President, Wärtsilä Ship Power, Specials.
A special feature of Wärtsilä's dual-fuel engine technology is that it incorporates two separate fuel injection systems. When operating on gas, the electronically controlled common-rail pilot fuel injection system injects a very small amount of liquid fuel only. This makes it possible to conform to certain environmental restrictions that could not be met when using conventional injection systems. The conventional system is used when the DF engine is operated on standard liquid marine fuels. The switch between fuels can be made automatically and without loss of power, according to Wärtsilä.
The order was placed with Wärtsilä in October 2011, and the ship is scheduled to be in operation in December 2012.
Facts about the vessel:
200G/T Harbour Master vessel
Over All length approximately 38m
Breadth 8m
Depth 4,8m
Draft (design) 2,2 m
Speed approximately 15 knots
