A hybrid propulsion system supported by batteries is believed to be the first built for a fish farming vessel.
The new processing and transportation vessel will be designed by Wartsila, which will also fit it with its controllable pitch propeller (CPP), ProTouch propulsion remote control system and electrical & automation system, including a hybrid battery PTI/PTO package.
The package also includes a 10-cylinder Wärtsilä 31 main engine, two 9-cylinder Wärtsilä 20 auxiliary engines and a Wärtsilä 2-speed gearbox.
Riku-Pekka Hägg, vice president of Wärtsilä ship design, said: "The fish farming industry, like other marine industry sectors, is seeking better ship designs and greater efficiencies that reduce overall operating costs and lessen the environmental impact.
“Wärtsilä is proud to have been selected for this project that introduces the world's first hybrid propulsion system for this kind of vessel."
Wärtsilä’s hybrid propulsion solution is supported by batteries and by absorbing most of the engine's load fluctuations and vessel load variations through batteries, the engines can be operated close to its optimum design point, providing high efficiency and minimising exhaust emissions.
The Wärtsilä 31 engine is notable for its low fuel consumption and minimal maintenance requirements and can run for 32,000 running hours before it requires servicing.
The Wärtsilä 2-speed gearbox enables low propeller speeds and optimised propulsion efficiency during transit, while still using the main engine to power the shaft alternator.
Scheduled for delivery in summer 2018, the vessel will be built at the Balenciaga shipyard in Spain for Norway’s Hav Line.
Wärtsilä will deliver the technology in autumn 2017.
