Tarbit Shipping to convert tanker to LNG

This is the first order for a Wärtsilä LNGPac system.

The

25,000 dwt product tanker Bit Viking is operated by Statoil along the Norwegian coastline, and the conversion will enable the vessel to qualify for lower NOX emission taxes under the Norwegian government’s NOX fund scheme.

The

contract covers the conversion of the ship’s two main engines to gas-fuelled propulsion, all adjustments to the ship’s systems necessitated by the conversion, the updating of the vessel’s classification certificate, and the supply and installation of the Wärtsilä LNGPac system, including two 500m3 LNG storage tanks. Wärtsilä is responsible for carrying out everything involved in the contract, and the schedule calls for completion by June 2011.

The

Bit Viking has twin screw propulsion, with each screw currently powered by a 6-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 46 engine running on heavy fuel oil (HFO).

The

conversion, which will take place in Gothenburg, involves changing these to 6-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel engines that will operate on LNG.

The

Wärtsilä LNGPac is a total system developed by the company to enable the safe and convenient storage of the gas fuel onboard ship, and to facilitate bunkering operations.