The first vessel operating with the IMO Tier III EIAPP (Engine International Air Pollution Prevention) certified Wärtsilä diesel engines was launched on July 12, Wärtsilä informed.
L’Astrolabe, a 72 metre polar logistics vessel, is equipped with four IMO Tier III certified 8-cylinder Wärtsilä 20 diesel engines combined with Wärtsilä NOR systems to be fully compliant with the IMO Tier III exhaust emission regulations set out in Annex VI of the MARPOL 73/78 convention. The Tier III EIAPP certificates were issued by Bureau Veritas.
The full Wärtsilä scope of supply for this vessel comprises four Wärtsilä 20 main engines, two Wärtsilä controllable pitch propellers and shaft lines including Wärtsilä reduction gears, Wärtsilä NOR systems, and a Wärtsilä tunnel thruster.
Wärtsilä’s NOR system enables vessels to be compliant with global NOx emission control area regulations. Furthermore, it boosts overall performance of the engine and exhaust gas cleaning system in terms of emissions reduction, noise abatement and engine efficiency.
The ship was built by PIRIOU (France) for the French Southern and Antarctic Lands Administration. It will be used to transport personnel and supplies to the Dumont d’Urville research station in Antarctica. The L’Astrolabe will have accommodation for 60 persons, a cargo capacity of 1400 metric tons, and is fitted with a helideck large enough to accommodate two helicopters.
