Wartsila powers Chilean patrol vessels

Wärtsilä Corporation won a contract in August to deliver complete propulsion systems for two 80.6 metre offshore patrol for the Chilean Coast Guard.

Designed by the German company Fassmer, each of the 1,850 tonne displacement patrol vessels will be equipped with two 12-cylinder Wärtsilä 26 main engines having a combined power of 8,160 kW at 1,000 rpm for a maximum speed of around 21 knots. Each engine will drive a Wärtsilä Lips controllable-pitch propeller through a single-input Wärtsilä reduction gearbox. Wärtsilä will also supply the control systems for engines and propellers plus Wärtsilä Deep Sea Seals stern tube seals. The first ship set of equipment is due for delivery to Chile in early 2007.

The patrol vessels will be built at the ASMAR Talcahuano shipyard and are due for commissioning in 2008 and 2009. Special features include anti-rolling tanks, helicopter platform, modular platform concept for simple integration of different combat systems and an x-shaped hull to reduce radar cross section. They will be employed by the Chilean Coast Guard to conduct interdiction and security operations up to 200 miles from shore. The vessels will be owned and operated by the Coast Guard, a branch of the Armada de Chile (Chilean Navy).

A key factor in Wärtsilä winning this contract was the company’s ability to supply complete, integrated propulsion systems. Such complete solutions offer real benefits in terms of manufacturer’s support through the life of a vessel.