Vyborg Shipyard has selected Wartsila 31 engineto power Aker ARC 124icebreakerbeing built for Russia’s Atomflot.
The new generation icebreaker, ordered by Rosatom’s subsidiary Atomflot in September, will be equipped with three eight-cylinder Wartsila 31 engines.
Wartsila will monitor the engines online for their operating condition.
Atomflot first deputy director general chief engineer Mustafa Kashka said: “High vessel availability and fuel efficiency are the key winning factors for any ship owner.
“The Wartsila 31 engines will facilitate a significant improvement in vessel operations, making it extremely competitive on the market.
“This new icebreaker, powered by Wartsila 31 engines, will be the most technologically advanced ship of its kind in the whole world.”
Upon delivery, Atomflot will employ the icebreaker to serve the Yamal LNG project in Sabetta, located northeast of the Yamal peninsular in Russia.
Warsila 31 engines are expected to increase fuel efficiency of the vessels while minimising maintenance costs as it requires major service only after 8,000 running hours when compared to 2,000 running hours for engines of a similar class.
Proven to withstand all weather conditions, the engines will enable the new vessel to operate in temperatures as low as minus 50°C.
Wartsila Marine Solutions Engines senior vice-president Roger Holm said: “By combining a drastic reduction in fuel consumption, increased power output, and a four-fold extension of normal maintenance intervals, our customers now have the chance to redefine how they operate their vessels to a new level of competitiveness.”
Launched in June, Wartsila 31 is the first of a new generation of medium speed engines available in eight to 16 cylinder configurations and has a power output ranging from 4.2MW to 9.8 MW, at 720 and 750rpm.
The engine achieved a Guinness World Records title for the most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine.
Image: An artist impression of the Aker ARC 124.Photo: Courtesy of Wartsila.
