New LNG carrier for Knutsen OAS will use an integrated propulsion and cargo handling solution from Wärtsilä

The new Knutsen OAS Shipping LNG vessel will feature an integrated package of Wärtsilä solutions

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 8-Apr-2019 — /EuropaWire/ — New 30,000 cbm LNG vessel will rely on integrated propulsion and cargo handling solution from Wärtsilä. The effective interfacing between the vessel’s propulsion, onboard auxiliary power generation, and cargo control processes will be ensured by the Wärtsilä solutions with the aim of achieving full fuel-efficiency. The agreement includes an option for an additional sister vessel while the order with Wärtsilä has been booked in January 2019.

The Wärtsilä cargo handling system includes the fuel supply, cargo control system, boil-off gas (BOG) reliquefaction, and safety management.

The 5-cylinder WinGD X52DF dual-fuel main engine and the Wärtsilä auxiliary dual-fuel engines are essential consumers for the BOG management system, which monitors and controls the cryogenic cargo, to ensure, in combination with a Wärtsilä developed mixed refrigerant re-liquefaction unit, all time control over the cargo tank pressure and temperature.

Norway based Knutsen OAS Shipping is the owner of the ship that is currently being built at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) in South Korea. The Knutsen vessel will be one of the first LNG carriers in its size that will be equipped with space-saving C-type bi-lobe cargo tanks.

Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery during 2020 while the vessel is expected to be built and delivered during the first half of 2021.

The delivery includes three Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel auxiliary engines that power the board net, thrusters, cargo control system, and re-liquefaction module.

The vessel’s main engine and single Wärtsilä Controllable Pitch Propeller system will allow the vessel to operate at its highest fuel efficiency design point, in a combinator mode controlling the shaft power, pitch and speed.

The LNG vessel will be operated by Knutsen and chartered, under a 12-year long term charter, to Italian energy company Edison S.p.A. Edison will use the ship to supply coastal LNG Deposit terminals in Italy.

Timo Koponen, Vice President, Processing Solutions, Wärtsilä Marine: 

“Wärtsilä has more than 50 years of expertise in the gas carrier business, and our latest technologies and digital platforms are designed to deliver optimised operability, fuel economy and safety. We have worked closely for many years with Knutsen OAS Shipping, a globally recognised LNG sector player, and we are proud to be partnering them once again as the single-source supplier for ensuring the efficiency of this innovative vessel.”

Commenting on the partnership, Jarle Østenstad, Newbuilding Director, Knutsen OAS Group said:

“The latest development of the LNG infrastructure provides clear evidence of the increasing importance of LNG fuel to the marine industry. Wärtsilä has a lot of experience and know-how throughout the LNG value chain, and we are confident that their solutions are what we need for this latest expansion to our fleet.”

Media enquiries can be directed to Mr Torbjørn Lie, General Manager Sales at Wärtsilä Marine, to+47 5342 2500 and torbjorn.lie@wartsila.com as well as Ms Marit Holmlund-Sund, General Manager, Positioning, Marine Business Marketing at Wärtsilä Corporation, to +358 10 709 1439 and
marit.holmlund-sund@wartsila.com.

SOURCE: Wärtsilä