Battery hybrid stern trawler offers big efficiency gains

The new optimized stern trawler has been designed by Wärtsilä to reduce fuel consumption and notably increase overall vessel efficiency compared to currently available designs

AUGUST 16, 2016 — Unveiled at the Nor-Fishing 2016 event which opens in Trondheim, Norway, today, the new Wärtsilä Ship Design VS 6215 ST stern trawler uses hybrid battery technology, an optimized hull and other measures to reduce fuel consumption and to increase overall vessel efficiency.

The 82 m design has a unique aft ship layout and emphasizes seakeeping and stability.The factory capacity is 80 t/2 4h.

The propulsion system is based upon the Wärtsilä 31 engine, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s most efficient four-stroke diesel.

Wärtsilä’s hybrid battery technology delivers a significant energy efficiency improvement over conventional systems by running the engine at optimal load and absorbing many of the load fluctuations using batteries.

The design also incorporates Wärtsilä’s two-speed gearbox for further reductions in fuel consumption and emissions.

“Stern trawlers can be out fishing for up to 350 days a year and fuel consumption is, therefore, an extremely relevant consideration” says Riku-Pekka Hägg, Vice President, Ship Design, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions. “Our new design features the very latest technologies, and has been developed to offer the fishing industry lower fuel costs and greater possibilities for profitable operations.”