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Wärtsilä seals order for 33 auxiliary engine orders from Cosco units

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Wärtsilä is seeing increasing recognition for the upgraded version of its China-made Wärtsilä 20 engine, with a total of 33 engines being ordered in June, all for newbuildings for Cosco-linked companies at Chinese yards.

The engines, which are being built by Wärtsilä Qiyao Diesel Company (WQDC), the joint venture company of Wärtsilä and Shanghai Marine Diesel Engine Research Institute (SMDERI), have been ordered for merchant auxiliary power application in three major shipbuilding projects at China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) yards.

The engines will be installed in 11 new vessels ordered by China Cosco Shipping and Cosco Shipping Bulk, including three engines for four Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) and three engines for each of three Suezmax tankers being built at CSIC’s Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (DSIC) shipyard for China Cosco Shipping Energy, as well as three engines for each of four Large Ore Carriers (VLOC) being built at CSIC’s Tianjin Xingang shipyard for Cosco Shipping Bulk. Wärtsilä’s contract scope includes complete auxiliary generating sets and all related engineering. Delivery of the equipment will begin in 2019

In each case, the increased power output of the new Wärtsilä 20 engine and fuel flexibility were cited as major factors in the purchasing decision, said Wärtsilä in a press release. On a power to weight ratio, the upgraded Wärtsilä 20 is rated as best in its class. Furthermore, the engine design allows for conversion to dual-fuel operation. The opportunity for conversion at a later stage is seen as an attractive option for owners and operators when preparing for upcoming emissions legislation, most notably the global 0.5% sulphur restrictions entering into force in 2020.

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“These orders emphasise the value that the Wärtsilä 20 engine now adds to customer operations. Its high power output, efficiency, and flexibility deliver true benefits that are of critical importance in lowering operating costs and meeting environmental legislation. We are pleased to again be working with China Cosco Shipping, a company with whom we have enjoyed a long relationship. We also congratulate our colleagues at WQDC and SMDERI for their hard work in successfully negotiating these contracts,” said Janne Klemola, product director, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.