Quiet propulsion package for newbuild research vessel

The vessel being built by MEST for the Faroe Islands Marine Research Institute will be equipped with diesel generator sets, propeller shaft lines and electrical and automation (E&A) systems to significantly reduce underwater radiated noise (URN).

“Having a single supplier capable of providing everything specified for this modern research vessel’s performance requirements is, of course, extremely helpful,” said Mouritz Mohr, CEO, MEST Shipyard.

“It saves procurement time and reduces the project scheduling risks, so we are very grateful for Wärtsilä’s cooperation and support.”

By enabling the vessel to sail with very little URN, the Wärtsilä solution will facilitate the ability of the research personnel onboard to carry out their tasks with greater effectiveness.

The 54-metre long ship will be powered by two 8-cylinder Wärtsilä 20 engines and will have a quiet Wärtsilä fixed pitch propeller and complete shaft line.

This solution is very compact, which results in reduced acoustic signals. Wärtsilä will also supply a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to clean the engine exhaust of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

The research vessel is scheduled to commence operations in mid-2020 and will be used to help provide a basis for the responsible exploitation of the marine resources around the Faroe Islands.