»L’Astrolabe« is the first vessel operating with IMO’s Tier III EIAPP (Engine International Air Pollution Prevention) certified Wärtsilä diesel engines.
The recently launched 72 m long polar logistics vessel was built by Piriou (France) for the French Southern and Antarctic Lands[ds_preview] Administration. It will be used to transport personnel and supplies to the Dumont d‘Urville research station in Antarctica. It is fitted with a complete Wärtsilä propulsion machinery package and NOR (NOx Reducer) SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) exhaust gas cleaning systems for all the main engines.
Tier III EIAPP was certificated by Bureau Veritas
The four IMO Tier III certified 8-cylinder Wärtsilä 20 diesel engines are combined with 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 20 main engines, two controllable pitch propellers and shaft lines including reduction gears, NOR systems, and a tunnel thruster, all supplied by Wärtsilä.
According to the Finnish manufacturer SCR technology is currently the primary means for NOx abatement, and the companie’s NOR system is available for use with all of its medium speed engines. The system enables vessels to be compliant with global NOx emission control area regulations. Furthermore, with the Wärtsilä NOR the overall performance of the engine and exhaust gas cleaning system is optimised in terms of emissions reduction, noise abatement and engine efficiency.
The »L’Astrolabe« will have accommodation for 60 persons, a cargo capacity of 1,400 metric tons, and is fitted with a helideck large enough to accommodate two helicopters.
