(EnergyAsia, May 19 2011, Thursday) — Finland’s Wartsila said it has secured a contract from Kleven Maritime of Norway to design a new liquefied natural gas-powered platform supply vessel (PSV) for operator Rem Offshore, also of Norway. The contract includes the supply of the propulsion machinery, automation and other equipment for the vessel.

Wartsila, a leader in supplying design and propulsion solutions for LNG-powered PSVs, said it will build a Wartsila Ship Design VS499 LNG PSV, a state-of-the-art vessel based originally on the successful VS489 LNG PSV design. The ship features outstanding energy efficiency, a unique hull form, fuel flexibility, and exceptional performance in areas such as fuel economy and cargo capacity.

In addition to the complete design of the vessel, Wartsila said it will supply the dual-fuel main engines and generating sets, the electrical power and propulsion systems, integrated automation, and the power management system.

Wartsila said its dual-fuel (DF) technology will enable the use of clean gas as the main fuel, in line with Rem Offshore’s ambition to grow its fleet in environmentally sustainable PSVs. The DF engines can also operate on marine diesel oil if required. The vessel is to be built at the Kleven Verft yard in Norway.

Tor Henning Vestbøstad, sales manager for Wartsila Ship Design, said:

“The unique combination of our design capabilities and technology strengths enables us to provide a ‘big picture’ perspective that has real value, particularly in special vessels such as this one.

“The integrated solution, utilising Wartsila’s dual-fuel engines and low-loss concept, means that the customer will have the highest possible redundancy and reliability – and a highly efficient vessel, for operation in all conditions. The energy efficiency, cargo capacity and overall performance are all outstanding. Vestbostad also emphasises the company’s excellent collaboration with both Rem Offshore and Kleven, which has been an important factor in the success of this project.”