Pipelayer propulsion order for Wärtsilä

The Wärtsilä solutions selected for the six vessels include design, main engines and propellers and will be delivered during the fourth quarter of 2012 and the first quarter of 2013. The first vessels are scheduled to be launched in 2014, with all six to be fully operable before the end of 2015.

Two PLVs will be built at DSME in Korea for a France-based joint venture between Technip and Odebrecht Oleo & Gas, to the Wärtsilä VS4146 design. For each of these vessels, the design order for which was announced in late 2011, Wärtsilä will supply three modular thrusters, two retractable thrusters, and two tunnel thrusters. One 550-ton PLV has been ordered by Subsea7, of the UK, to be designed and built by IHC Merwede. For this ship Wärtsilä will supply six Wärtsilä 32 in-line engines, three modular thrusters, two retractable thrusters, and two tunnel thrusters. Two other 550 ton PLVS contracted by Malaysian company Sapura Crest Petroleum to be built by IHC Merwede will each have six Wärtsilä 32 in-line engines, three Lips modular thrusters, two retractable thrusters, and two tunnel thrusters. For the final PLV, an 300 ton ship to be built at the OSX Construcao Naval yard in Brazil for Sapura Crest, Wärtsilä will supply four Wärtsilä 32 in-line engines, three compact thrusters for primary propulsion, one retractable thruster, and two tunnel thrusters.

The Wärtsilä 32 engines to be used in all ships will employ the latest fuel combustion technology for high efficiency, and the company claims they will offer proven reliability, uncomplicated maintenance routines, and extended service intervals.

“We have been selected to supply all six vessels in the tender, for which the owners, shipyards, and even the design are different,” says Magnus Miemois, vice president ship power offshore. “This is a notable achievement for a number of reasons. In the first place, it is recognition of Wärtsilä’s experience and expertise in supplying high quality, reliable, and efficient integrated solutions. These contracts also strengthen Wärtsilä’s installed base in Brazil, which is fully supported by our local service organisation. This means that customers are assured of well proven, highly efficient, reliable equipment, backed by 24/7 service capability close to the area of operation.”