Chinese Orders LNG-Powered Tugs

Wärtsilä Corporation, a marine industry supplier, is to supply the main engines for two dual- fuel tugs being built for CNOOC Energy Technology & Services Limited (CETS), a subsidiary of the state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC). Wärtsilä says the vessels are the first in a planned series to be fueled by LNG, and will be the first tugs in China to be operated on natural gas. CNOOC’s strategy is aimed at achieving more clean energy in its operations. The low emission levels made possible by the dual-fuel engines is particularly beneficial for vessels operating close to population centers, as tugs frequently are, while the high fuel efficiency enables lower operating costs. These 6500 bhp tugs will operate along China’s coastline, and will be fueled from the company’s own bunkering terminals. The vessels will each be powered by two 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF in line dual-fuel engines. Delivery is scheduled at the beginning of 2013, and the first of the tugs is expected to be delivered in June 2013.