April 4 - A greener offshore wind farm installation ship will be the outcome of the collaboration between Finnish marine industry equipment manufacturer W
Wärtsilä will provide the new installation ships with the ship design, electrical power generation, propulsion machinery and high-end automation, whilst Aker Solutions will supply the jacking system. Wärtsilä, together with Aker Solutions, will also offer a 24/7 global support service for maintenance, repairs, and component supply to the ships.
The two companies have selected the best technologies for this custom designed installation ship, which enables a highly efficient way of setting up offshore wind power generation. The three Wärtsilä 6L34DF and two Wärtsilä 9L20DFdual-fuel engines, that will provide main and auxiliary power for the ship, can operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) with low emissions. Similarly, heat from the engine cooling system will be utilised to produce drinking water and supply hot water for use by the crew. The accommodation heating on board will also use the same heat source, while absorption chiller units will provide air conditioning during summer months.
"This new concept is already generating significant interest among that segment of the industry involved with the installation and maintenance of offshore wind farms. There is a notable demand for a high technology, and fully integrated installation vessel design having significant environmentally sound features. We are delighted to be in co-operation with Aker Solutions to fill this need that is especially significant in the North Sea," says Riku-Pekka Hägg, vice president, Wärtsilä Ship Design.
