Wrtsil --Chinese Semi-Submersible Heavy-lift Vessel

Wärtsilä, the marine industry's leading ship power systems integrator, has signed a contract to deliver a ship power system for a 38,000 tonnage semi-submersible heavy-lift vessel for Chinese customer Zhejiang Share-ever Business Co., Ltd. Wärtsilä's solution was selected for its proven reliability, and because of the first class global service support the company is able to provide.

Zhejiang Share-ever Business Co., Ltd is a privately owned company with more than 20 large-size vessels, including 72m offshore platform supply ships, ocean cargo carriers of between 27,000 and 50,000 tonnes, and drag-suction dredgers. The company seeks to utilize the latest marine technologies and works closely with domestic vessel design institutes.

Zhejiang Share-ever Business Co., Ltd is a new customer to Wärtsilä. "Wärtsilä is a well-known name in the marine industry and has proven itself to be worthy of our trust," said Mr Xia, President of Zhejiang Share-ever Business Co., Ltd.

This vessel will operate in offshore waters around the world, and will be mainly used in loading and transporting large-size offshore equipment required by the offshore oil and gas industry. Such equipment includes large-size steel structures, various kinds of platforms, platform jackets, and main platform blocks, etc. used in prospecting and exploration. The vessel will also assist large commercial vessels and naval ships in re-floating and similar operations. The vessel will be delivered in the end of 2011.

Reliable power generation
The engine configuration is based on the proven Wärtsilä 32 medium speed engines. The scope of supply includes three 9-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 32 generating sets for a diesel electric installation, and three tunnel thrusters.

Wärtsilä's fully diesel electric machinery allows for reliable and flexible power. For example, in order to optimize engine loading, rationalize fuel consumption, and ensure the most economical operation under all conditions, only the necessary number of generating sets will be engaged at any one time. Furthermore, in addition to providing fuel efficiency and cost savings, this flexibility ensures that the level of emissions is automatically controlled.

Growing market
"This kind of vessel has generated great interest amongst investors in the marine industry, and the market for it appears to be growing rapidly. Wärtsilä has been very successful in taking its share of related business opportunities, and we now have an excellent list of references to show our customers," said Michael Zhou, Business Manager, Special Vessels, Wärtsilä in China.

The 38,000 tonne self-propelled semi-submersible vessel has a total length of 195m with a moulded width of 41.5m. The moulded depth is12m, the designed draft is 8.6m, and its maximum diving depth is 23m. Propelled by electric power, the vessel features automated management, an unattended cabin, dynamic positioning, and a service speed of 13.5 knots. It is designed by the Marine Design &Research Institute of China under CSSC for technical specifications, and by Jiangsu Modern Shipbuilding Technology Co., Ltd. for production processes.