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Drydocks World (DDW) in Dubai has contracted the Finnish company Wärtsilä to design and supply the propulsion and other equipment for a new harbour tug that will operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG). This will be the first harbour tug in the Middle East region to operate on gas, and a firm order for the vessel was signed in November.
The 29m long tug is the first of a series of nine such vessels to be built and operated by DDW. The project is part of a ‘green’ initiative launched by the Dubai government, and is intended to set an example for promoting environmental sustainability throughout the region.
“We are happy to work with Wärtsilä to promote a green image for our harbour work. Wärtsilä is a solution provider with vast experience and expertise in gas fuel systems. The company has a strong local presence and is capable of providing the support needed,” says H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of DDW.
Wärtsilä is to provide a full scope of solutions for this ‘Eco tug’. This includes the ship design, two 9-cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel engines, Wärtsilä Steerable Thrusters (WST), type WST-18 Compact thrusters, the automation equipment, and the Wärtsilä LNGPac system.
The Wärtsilä LNGPac is a complete fuel gas handling system for LNG fuelled ships. It includes the bunkering station, the LNG tank and related process equipment, as well as the control and monitoring system.
With the Wärtsilä WST-18 thrusters, this tug will be equipped with one of the most advanced products in the marine industry. These units, which are part of the new Wärtsilä Steerable Thruster (WST) Compact series, provide high levels of efficiency, hydrodynamic performance and easier maintenance.
“The shift towards the use of LNG fuel is building up speed across the world. We at Wärtsilä feel proud that we have been at the forefront of this movement, first through the development of dual-fuel engine technology, and then by developing a full range of integrated solutions serving the complete gas value chain” says Mr. Behairy, Sales Director, Middle East, Wärtsilä Ship Power.
