Algoma Chooses W?rtsil? for Two New Bulk Carriers

Two new dry bulk carriers, being built for Canadian operator Algoma Central Corporation, will feature fully integrated Wärtsilä propulsion systems. The ships, which are being built at the 3 Maj Shipyard, Uljanik Group in Croatia, will also be installed with Wärtsilä closed loop scrubber systems. The contract with Wärtsilä was signed in September, and in addition to these two vessels, there is an option for three more. 

This is a repeat order for Wärtsilä as the company was contracted to supply eight similar Algoma Equinox Class vessels with the same scope of supply in 2011, three of which are already in operation. The Wärtsilä scrubber systems enable the vessels to be in full compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marpol Annex VI regulations regardless of the fuel being used, and to meet scrubbing water discharge restrictions, thereby allowing them to operate on the North American Great Lakes.

"Repeat orders are the clearest endorsement of customer confidence, and we are extremely proud to be once again selected to provide integrated propulsion and scrubber systems. Wärtsilä's unique capability as a single source supplier ensures an optimized and highly efficient total solution," says Andrej Stopar, Sales Manager, Wärtsilä.

"The Equinox Class bulk carriers are the best Great Lakes vessels in their class. They combine high propulsion efficiency and environmental sustainability. The Wärtsilä scrubber system removes more than 97 percent of Sulphur oxide emissions, which is extremely important for us. We are pleased to continue our cooperation with Wärtsilä and we have great confidence in their integrated solutions," says Ken Bloch Soerensen, President and CEO, Algoma Central Corporation.

The full Wärtsilä scope for each vessel comprises a 5-cylinder Wärtsilä RT-flex 50-D main engine, three 6-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 20 generating sets, a controllable pitch propeller, the transverse thrusters and the scrubber system. Delivery of the equipment to the yard will commence in June 2016.