Wartsila 31 main engine to power advanced trawler

The new trawler being built for Reseach Fishing Co will be equipped with a Wärtsilä 31 main engine, Wärtsilä propulsion machinery and auxiliary engines

JUNE 13, 2017 — Wärtsilä is to provide a Wärtsilä 31 main engine, the propulsion machinery, and the auxiliary engines for the Skipsteknisk 126 design pelagic trawler under construction at Vard’s Langsten, Norway, shipyard for Research Fishing Co. based in Lerwick, Shetland Islands (see earlier story).

The order with Wärtsilä was booked in April 2017. There is an option for a second vessel.

In specifying the Wärtsilä solutions, the customer cited the need for the latest technologies in order to optimize the total efficiency of the vessel.

The Wärtsilä 31 engine has been recognized by Guinness World Records as being the world’s most efficient four-stroke diesel engine. This will be the first 12-cylinder version of this engine ordered.

In addition, Wärtsilä will supply the gearbox, the controllable pitch propeller with the Wärtsilä ProTouch propulsion control system, as well as one 8-cylinder and one 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 20 auxiliary engines. Delivery of the Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled to commence in November 2017.

“The Wärtsilä 31 engine is in a class of its own regarding fuel efficiency and total cost of ownership. Its efficiency reduces exhaust emission levels, and provides extended intervals between service requirements. We are proud to have been selected to provide a complete package of solutions for this extremely modern fishing vessel,” says Stefan Wiik, Vice President, Engines, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.

“This vessel has been designed to meet our needs well into the future. For this reason the machinery onboard has to be the best available, and we believe that by selecting Wärtsilä this requirement is achieved,” says Gary Williamson, Skipper & Co-owner.

When delivered in the autumn of 2018, the 79.8 m long vessel will operate in Scottish fishing grounds.