Wärtsilä has signed a joint industry project cooperation (JIP) undertaking with Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC). The objective is to develop a preliminary production level design for a 127,000 dwt shuttle tanker.
Vessels of this design may be built by DSIC, a part of[ds_preview] the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, with DNV-GL classification. The agreement was signed in October 2017.
DSIC has already obtained an Approval in Principle for the tanker design from classification society DNV GL. The shuttle tanker design is targeted for operation in the North Sea and on the Norwegian Continent Shelf. It features DP2 capacity and a twin propulsion system, and is already in compliance with EEDI Phase 3 regulations.
Wärtsilä will provide technical design support for the project. This will include developing an optimised propulsion and thruster solution and machinery with a high-level electric configuration for the vessel‘s DP control system.
»We are excited to enter into this agreement that offers a proactive approach to meeting the future needs of the tanker sector,« says Aaron Bresnahan, Vice President, Sales, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.
Wärtsilä explains that the demand for shuttle tankers is forecast to increase, and this joint project is intended to generate a high level design concept with a dynamic positioning (DP) system that can be offered to potential owners. By having a ready and approved design available, the building period can be significantly reduced.
