New cement carrier to feature Wärtsilä dual-fuel technology

Wärtsilä is supplying a new cement carrier with a 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF main engine. The technology will enable the vessel to use liquefied natural gas (LNG) along with other fuels, such as marine diesel fuel, bio fuel and heavy fuel oil. Wärtsilä notes that ‘in gas mode, the engine fulfils the IMO’s Tier III requirements without need of any after treatment systems. This is especially important since the ship will operate in Northern European waters, meaning that it will spend time in Sulfur Emission Control Areas (SECA).’

Wärtsilä will also provide an enclosed Gas Valve Unit for the ship, allowing for easy installation and additional engine room safety.

The vessel, which is being built at the Scheepswerf Ferus Smit yard in the Netherlands, will be the first bulk carrier to feature Wärtsilä’s multi-fuel capability. The ship has been ordered by JT Cement, which is a joint venture between Sweden’s Erik Thun AB and Norway’s KG Jebsen Cement. The carrier is due to be delivered at the end of 2015, and a second carrier may also be built as part of this series. Wärtsilä has supplied engines to both the Scheepswerf Ferus Smit yard and Erik Thun AB in the past.

A new cement carrier for JT Cement will feature a 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF main engine, making it the first bulk carrier to adopt Wärtsilä’s multi fuel capability.

“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,” commented Lars Anderson, Vice President, 4-Stroke Sales, Wärtsilä Ship Power.

“Wärtsilä has a well established and proven track record in dual-fuel engine technology. The selected Wärtsilä 34DF engine is a proven and flexible engine, which should ensure lower emissions and competitive energy and operation cost,” added Anders Källsson, Managing Director, Erik Thun AB.

Adapted from press release by Louise Fordham

Those interested in further information about LNG can find news and analysis on the sector via World Cement’s sister publication, LNG Industry – www.lngindustry.com

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/17092014/new-cement-carrier-to-feature-wartsila-engine-500/