Bulker gets dual-fuel four-stroke technology

The 5,800dwt ship, ordered from the Dutch shipbuilder by JT Cement, a joint venture between Erik Thun of Sweden and KG Jebsen Cement of Norway, will feature a six-cylinder 34DF main engine, making it the first bulk carrier to adopt Wärtsilä’s multi fuel capability. In addition to the main engine, Wärtsilä will supply an enclosed gas valve unit (GVU) for easier installation and additional engine room safety. Delivery is scheduled for late 2015. The order was originally announced by Ferus Smit in February, though no details of the propulsion system were made available then. The original order said there was an option for two similar ships.

The ship, which will operate in the Northern European ECAs, will be able to burn HFO, MGO and bio-fuel as well as LNG. In gas mode, the engine fulfils IMO Tier III requirements without the need for any after-treatment systems.

“The arguments in favour of gas fuel are so strong that it is no surprise that more and more vessel types are adopting its use. LNG is no longer a ‘niche’ fuel for a few specific types of ship; nowadays virtually all merchant vessels can take advantage of the environmental and cost saving benefits that LNG fuel offers. Wärtsilä is proud to be a technology leader in making this possible,” said Lars Anderson, vice president, four-stroke sales, Wärtsilä Ship Power.

Wärtsilä has supplied several engines to both the shipyard and Erik Thun in the past.