Diesel electric power to drive semisub transport vessel

Offshore staff

HELSINKI-- Wärtsilä has won an order to supply power equipment for a 38,000-metric ton (41,888-ton) semisubmersible heavy-lift vessel under construction for Chinese customer Zhejiang Share-ever Business Co.

The latter is a privately owned company with a fleet of more than 20 large-size vessels, including 72-m (236-ft) offshore platform supply ships.

The new vessel will be able to operate worldwide to load and transport offshore equipment including large-size steel structures, platforms, jackets, and other structures used in exploration and development. It should be delivered by end-2011.

Wärtsilä’s scope of supply includes three nine-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 32 generating sets for a diesel electric installation, and three tunnel thrusters.

The company says the diesel electric machinery allows for reliable and flexible power. To optimize engine loading, restrict fuel consumption, and ensure economic operation under all conditions, only the necessary number of generating sets will be engaged at any one time.

The self-propelled semisubmersible vessel will have a total length of 195 m (640 ft), a molded width of 41.5 m (1,361 ft), a molded depth of 12m (39 ft), and a design draft of 8.6 m (28 ft). Other features include dynamic positioning, and a service speed of 13.5 knots. Technical specifications have been designed by the Marine Design &Research Institute of China under CSSC for technical specifications, with Jiangsu Modern Shipbuilding Technology Co. responsible for production processes.

06/01/2010