Canadian LNG retrofits adopt Wärtsilä systems
The Spirit of British Columbia and Spirit of Vancouver will be converted as part of mid-life work by Remontowa Shiprepair in Gdansk, Poland. As reported, the yard group is already building three LNG-burning ferries for the Canadian owner.
The full scope of Wärtsilä’s supply includes four 34DF dual-fuel engines with fuel gas systems, integrated automation systems and power management systems, the Pro-Touch propulsion control system, the power transmission systems comprising two gearboxes, the LNGPac comprising the fuel storage tank, bunkering station, gas detection system and process control automation, Wärtsilä rudders, site representation and integration engineering, and crew training.
The upgrading work will involve surveying the stern tube and renewing components, surveying and overhauling the controllable pitch propeller (CPP) hubs, redesigning and renewing the CPP propeller blades, surveying, renewing and overhauling the oil distribution boxes, and renewing two bow thrusters and motors.
Mark Wilson, vice president engineering, BC Ferries, said: “We appreciate the detailed engineering and attention to schedule that Remontowa and Wärtsilä have undertaken for the completion of this project. The broad scope of equipment needed heightens considerably the importance of systems integration and LNG experience.”
The time allowed for completing the work is just seven months, including a delivery voyage of more than one month each way. The Wärtsilä equipment will be delivered to the shipyard in mid-2017 and mid-2018 prior to the arrival of the vessels.
Lucjan Falkiewicz, project manager for BC Ferries’ mid-life upgrade project, Remontowa, added: “This is an extensive project involving both conversion of the ships to upgrade their performance, as well as the gas conversion work. Fortunately, we have worked in the past with Wärtsilä and have good confidence in both their solutions and their capabilities.”
