Wärtsilä is to supply its EnergoFlow and EnergoProFin propulsion solutions to four medium range (MR) tankers in the International Seaways (INSW) fleet.
The devices will be used to upgrade the ships’ existing Wärtsilä CP propeller system resulting in an estimated 5% in fuel and emissions savings. These will be the first Ice Class 1A FS vessels to be fitted with the EnergoFlow solution. By reducing the fuel consumption of these existing MR tankers, INSW will strengthen its actions towards decarbonised operations and continue to meet its CII requirements. The propeller upgrading project followed a detailed engineering study to optimise the existing propulsion systems.
INSW Director of New Construction and Performance Michael LaGrassa said: “Our company is committed to reducing its CO2 emissions in line with the IMO’s targets. We’re excited about our partnership with Wärtsilä to install these devices as we continue on our sustainability journey.”
EnergoFlow is an innovative pre-swirl stator that creates an optimal inflow for the propeller, reducing fuel consumption and emissions in all operating conditions. The EnergoProFin is an energy saving propeller cap with fins that rotate together with the propeller. It reduces the energy losses created by the propeller hub vortex, increasing overall propulsion efficiency and significantly reducing underwater noise.
Jan Othman, VP Project Services, Wärtsilä Marine, said: “As a company dedicated to supporting the marine industry’s decarbonisation efforts, we are delighted to cooperate with International Seaways in improving the fuel efficiency of these four vessels. The Wärtsilä systems selected will not only meet and exceed the minimum required CII rating and IMO targets, but will also improve the ships’ asset resell market value.”
The four 47,000 dwt vessels to be fitted with the Wärtsilä solutions are the Seaways Galle, the Seaways Gatun, the Seaways Hercules, and the Seaways Huron. The refitting installations will be planned to coincide with each vessel’s drydock schedule, starting in the summer of 2024.
Image: Wärtsilä will supply EnergoFlow and EnergoProFin propulsion to four MR tankers in the INSW fleet, including ‘Seaways Gatun’ (credit: International Seaways)
