Wartsila 31 Main Engine to Power New Fuel Efficient Fishing Vessel

The technology group Wartsila has been selected to provide its Wartsila 31 main engine, the propulsion machinery, and the auxiliary engines for a new state-of-the-art pelagic trawler under construction at a Norwegian shipyard. The vessel has been ordered by Research Fishing Co based in Lerwick, Shetland Islands. The order with Wartsila was booked in April 2017. There is an option for a second vessel.

In specifying the Wartsila solutions, the customer cited the need for the latest technologies in order to optimise the total efficiency of the vessel. The Wartsila 31 engine has been recognised by Guinness World Records as being the world’s most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine. This will be the first 12-cylinder version of this engine ordered.

In addition, Wartsila will supply the gearbox, the controllable pitch propeller with the Wartsila ProTouch propulsion control system, as well as one 8-cylinder and one 6-cylinder Wartsila 20 auxiliary engines. Delivery of the Wartsila equipment is scheduled to commence in November 2017.

“The Wartsila 31 engine is in a class of its own regarding fuel efficiency and total cost of ownership. Its efficiency reduces exhaust emission levels, and provides extended intervals between service requirements. We are proud to have been selected to provide a complete package of solutions for this extremely modern fishing vessel,” says Stefan Wiik, Vice President, Engines, Wartsila Marine Solutions.

“This vessel has been designed to meet our needs well into the future. For this reason the machinery onboard has to be the best available, and we believe that by selecting Wartsila this requirement is achieved,” says Gary Williamson, Skipper & Co owner.

When delivered in the autumn of 2018, this 79.8 metre long Skipsteknisk designed vessel will operate in Scottish fishing grounds.