TIM eMagazine Vol.2 Issue 5
T
he launch of the L’Astrolabe, a 72 metre
polar logistics vessel fitted with a complete
Wärtsilä propulsion machinery package
and Wärtsilä NOR (NOx Reducer) SCR (Se-
lective Catalytic Reduction) exhaust gas
cleaning systems for all the main engines,
took place on July 12. This is the first vessel
operating with the International Maritime Organisation’s
IMO Tier III EIAPP (Engine International Air Pollution Pre-
vention) certified Wärtsilä diesel engines.
The ship was built by PIRIOU (France) for the French
Southern and Antarctic Lands Administration. It will be
used to transport personnel and supplies to the Dumont
d’Urville research station in Antarctica.
The four IMO Tier III certified 8-cylinder Wärtsilä 20 die-
sel engines are combined with Wärtsilä NOR systems to
be fully compliant with the IMO Tier III exhaust emission
regulations set out in Annex VI of the MARPOL 73/78
convention. The IMO Tier III EIAPP certification was carried
out according to Scheme B based on the requirements of
IMO Resolution MEPC.198(62). The Tier III EIAPP certificates
were issued by Bureau Veritas.
The full Wärtsilä scope of supply for this vessel comprises
four Wärtsilä 20 main engines, two Wärtsilä controllable
pitch propellers and shaft lines including Wärtsilä reduc-
tion gears, Wärtsilä NOR systems, and a Wärtsilä tunnel
thruster.
SCR technology is currently the primary means for NOx
abatement, and Wärtsilä’s NOR system is available for use
with all Wärtsilä medium speed engines. The system en-
ables vessels to be compliant with global NOx emission
control area regulations. Furthermore, with the Wärtsilä
The full Wärtsilä scope of supply for this vessel comprises four Wärtsilä 20 main engines,
two Wärtsilä controllable pitch propellers and shaft lines including Wärtsilä reduction
gears, Wärtsilä NOR systems, and a Wärtsilä tunnel thruster
NOR the overall performance of the engine and exhaust
gas cleaning system is optimised in terms of emissions
reduction, noise abatement and engine efficiency. Wärt-
silä provides IMO and EPA Tier III certificates for its engines
combined with a Wärtsilä NOR system.
“We have been pleased to deliver this combination of
engines and SCR systems in the same scope of supply, and
take full responsibility for exhaust gas emissions, perfor-
mance, documentation, statutory approvals and certifica-
tion. Such packages are convenient for shipyards and ship
operators, and triggered by IMO regulations are expected
to be specified by an increasing number of shipyards and
ship owners. The engine needs to be SCR compatible, and
the SCR should be fit for purpose. It has been a pleasure
to work with Chantiers Piriou,” says Juha Kytölä, Vice Presi-
dent, Environmental Solutions, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.
“For this type of vessel operating in the most challeng-
ing ice and weather conditions, the engine selection had
to be carefully made. We know and respect Wärtsilä’s
capabilities and technical know-how, and we are confi-
dent that we have made the best possible choice for this
important vessel,” says Vincent Faujour, PIRIOU CEO.
The L’Astrolabe will have accommodation for 60 persons,
a cargo capacity of 1400 metric tons, and is fitted with a
helideck large enough to accommodate two helicopters.
wartsila.com
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