(HELSINKI, Finland) — The technology group Wartsila is introducing a new portfolio of tug designs, to be known as the Wartsila HYTug series, with the emphasis on environmental sustainability. Since they typically operate in or close to harbors and populated areas, tugs are particularly affected by environmental considerations, and the need for regulatory compliance is an increasing concern for tug owners and operators worldwide.
Wartsila has already introduced tug designs featuring liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel technology as an efficient means for complying with environmental legislation. The company has long been at the forefront in developing technologies that have enabled LNG to become a viable marine fuel, and the Wartsila LNGTug designs reflect this experience.
These latest designs have been developed utilizing Wartsila's strong competences in hybrid propulsion technology, along with the company's extensive experience with more than 1000 tugs built based on Wartsila's ship designs.
The recently introduced Wartsila HY hybrid propulsion solution forms the basis of the new designs, the benefits of which include the flexibility and efficiency provided by the technology. Notably, the enhanced efficiency enables the total installed main engine power to be less than with conventional designs. Using less engine power also decreases exhaust emission levels and, therefore, the environmental impact. It also reduces the fuel bill and lessens the amount of engine maintenance needed, which again adds to the cost savings.
The designs feature a very distinctive outlook while providing the power and maneuverability for practical tug operations. They have been optimized for low hull resistance, high towing/escort performance, seakeeping, crew safety and comfort, as well as for easy maintenance. Each design has the option to select either diesel mechanical hybrid, or diesel electric hybrid propulsion, and the designs cover a 40 to 90 ton bollard pull range with the appropriate Wartsila equipment.
The new tugs are designed with thrusters from the Wartsila WST series featuring large propeller diameters for efficient and high performance propulsion. In addition to their excellent hydrodynamics and reliability, these thrusters are also easy to install, operate, and maintain.
The development work has been carried out in close cooperation with the ABS, BV and Lloyd's Register classification societies, and the designs have received approval-in-principle (AiP) certification. This certification means that the design complies with class safety regulations and will be class approved in actual projects. The Wartsila HY solution has itself received AiP certification from the Lloyd's Register classification society.
The new designs will be launched at the Asian Tug Technology and Salvage conference being held in Singapore on Sept. 18 and 19.
