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Wartsila clinches propulsion solutions contract for Chinese research ships

Wartsila clinches propulsion solutions contract for Chinese research ships
Technology group Wartsila has been awarded the contract to provide main engines, retractable thrusters and exhaust cleaning equipment for two new research vessels being built for the China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association (COMRA).

Each research vessel will be installed with two 4-cylinder Wartsila 20 engines and two Wartsila 26 engines, one with a 9-cylinder and one with an 8-cylinder configuration.

They will also be fitted with retractable thrusters for efficient manoeuvring and station keeping capabilities.

The engine exhaust will be cleaned with a NOx Reducer (NOR) to comply with the IMO’s Tier III regulations relating to emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), and to be Engine International Air Pollution Prevention (EIAPP) certified, according to Wartsila.

The Finnish firm said the engines will be mounted such that noise and vibration are minimised, ensuring the accuracy of data collected during survey activities and for the comfort of the crew members.

The research ships are scheduled for delivery in March 2019 and the Wartsila equipment will be delivered at the end of 2017. The ships are currently being constructed at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding and Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group yards.

Wartsila and the parent firm of the shipyards CSSC (China State Shipbuilding Corporation) already have existing working relationships in the form of two joint ventures, CSSC Wartsila Engine (CWEC) set up in July 2014 and Wartsila Electrical & Automation Shanghai Co established in January 2017.