Wärtsilä Details Scope of PSV Newbuild Contract with Siem Offshore

Following similar orders placed in November 2012 and August 2013, Norwegian OSV operator Siem Offshore has again reached out to Finnish engine manufacturer Wärtsilä to supply the design and integrated solutions for four new, dual-fuel powered platform supply vessels (PSVs). The design contract was signed in January 2014 and deliveries are scheduled for Q3 2015 to Q2 2016..

In an emailed release, Wärtsilä notes the four new vessels, like the two currently under construction, will be built at will be built at Poland’s Remontowa Shipbuilding and feature the Wärtsilä VS 4411 DF ship design and will have Wärtsilä dual-fuel propulsion allowing them to operate primarily on liquefied natural gas (LNG). With the various Wärtsilä systems having been integrated into a total solution, and with an optimised hull design, the vessels will feature lower fuel consumption, reduced fuel costs, and fewer exhaust emissions compared to vessels running on conventional marine fuel.

Wärtsilä notes that besides the design of the vessel and the power plant, they will also supply the “Wärtsilä LNGPac,” which includes the bunkering station, LNG tank and tank room compartment, process skid, glycol-water heating unit, and the control and monitoring system gas storage and handling system. In addition, the complete electrical and automation system will be provided, including a four-split Wärtsilä LLC (Low Loss Concept) power distribution solution.

The Low Loss Concept will enable the vessels to fulfill the highest possible Environmental Regularity Number (ERN) of 99.99.99, according to Wärtsilä. The ERN rating represents the capability of a vessel to maintain its position and normal operations under certain weather conditions.

“These PSVs will often be working in challenging sea conditions, and in areas where strict emissions regulations are in place. Our integrated systems solution and dual-fuel technology that allows the ships to run on clean LNG fuel, enable such challenges to be met and overcome,” says Magnus Miemois, Vice President, Wärtsilä Solutions.

The four new PSVs will be built to the highest requirements for operations on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. They will have an overall length of 89 metres, a beam of 19 metres, a deck area of 970 m2, and a capacity of 5,500 dwt.