Wärtsilä has won a contract from Arctia Offshore to install combined NOx reducer (NOR) and oxidation catalyst (OXI) technology on two of Arctia’s multifunctional icebreaking vessels.

The two multifunctional vessels, Fennica and Nordica, are based on a modified icebreaker design and will also be converted to enable the use of ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel.

The work will involve installation of the combined Wärtsilä NOR / OXI solution on each of the eight engines that will power the two vessels.

The installation will be completed in two parts, with the first set due for completion by the end of December this year, and the second scheduled to be completed by the end of April 2012.

Upon completion the vessels will fulfil the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) emission requirements for operating in the Arctic Ocean.

The EPA emission requirements will open up the possibility for Arctia Offshore to participate in arctic oil exploration projects in an environmentally sustainable manner.