Pacific Radiance opts for Wärtsilä power generation and propulsion for three OSVs

JULY 5, 2012 — Wärtsilä is to supply complete and fully integrated power generation and propulsion packages for three vessels being built for Singapore offshore service vessel operator Pacific Radiance Ltd. In each case, the company’s main requirements were to achieve greater efficiency, better fuel consumption, and lower emission levels. The orders were received during the second quarter of 2012.

Two of the vessels are 86 m platform supply vessels (PSV) are to be built at the Huang Pu shipyard in China. The third, to be built at China’s Zhenjiang shipyard, is a hybrid anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessel with more than 210 tons bollard pull.

The Wärtsilä equipment for all three ships is scheduled for delivery during 2013, and the vessels are due to be delivered to Pacific Radiance during the first half of 2014.

Wärtsilä’s scope of supply includes four 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 26 in-line main engines, thrusters, and the electrical and automation systems for the two PSVs, and two 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 32 in-line main engines, two generating sets based on 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 32 in-line engines, two controllable pitch propellers, thrusters, and the electrical and automation systems for the AHTS. The PSVs will utile the Wärtsilä Low Loss Concept (LLC) power distribution system for electric propulsion applications. These will be the first vessels built in China to install the LLC system.

“The Wärtsilä LLC system incorporates high redundancy, high efficiency, and fuel economy for the entire electric propulsion application,” says B.H. Lau, Chief Operating Officer of Pacific Radiance Ltd. “The design of the 690V switchboard and power distribution system gives less single failure consequences and more available power, better operability, and safety during the vessels’ dynamically positioned (DP) mode. The company’s extensive after sales support was another key factor in selecting Wärtsilä for these newbuild projects.”

The notable feature of the AHTS is that it is a hybrid vessel, combining both diesel-mechanic and diesel-electric propulsion. “The Wärtsilä hybrid propulsion system is designed to minimize the total installed power and to create efficient propulsion throughout the entire operating profile of the vessel,” says Magnus Miemois, Vice President, Wärtsilä Ship Power, Offshore. “The hybrid solution results in fuel cost savings and reduced levels of exhaust emissions, both of which are key market requirements.”

“By opting for complete integrated solutions for these vessels, the customer benefits in several ways. The fully integrated power generation and propulsion systems ensure optimal performance, while having a single point of contact for the entire systems not only reduces the completion risks, but notably enhances efficiency throughout these complex projects,” says Mr. Miemois.