Technology group Wärtsilä will supply an integrated propulsion package for a new vessel being built for U.K. based tanker owner and operator, Pritchard-Gordon Tankers Ltd. (PGT). The integrated package includes the high-performance and fuel flexible Wärtsilä 32 main engine. This order is the third in a series of three such vessels, all with a similar Wärtsilä scope of supply. These three 10,600 DWT newbuild vessels are the latest in PGT’s fleet renewal programme, which is centred around efficiency and lower emissions. This latest order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3 2024.
Credit: Wärtsilä
“The tanker sector is under increasing pressure to lessen its carbon footprint, and we are committed to having a fleet that is highly efficient and provides greater flexibility for new sustainable technologies and future fuels. For this reason, we are delighted to have the propulsion package supplied by Wärtsilä, a company with an outstanding track record in developing sustainable engine technology. Their support throughout the vessel design development process has been very much appreciated,” says Richard Groves – New Build Manager, Pritchard Gordon Tankers Ltd.
In addition to the Wärtsilä 32 main engine, the fully integrated Wärtsilä package for each of the three vessels includes the gearbox, shaft generator system, controllable pitch propeller (CPP), the Wärtsilä EnergoPac efficiency rudder, the Wärtsilä ProTouch propulsion control system, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, and an Open Water lubricated sterntube.
“The integrated package approach is very much in demand as the industry moves rapidly towards greater efficiencies and decarbonised operations,” comments John Grant, Sales Manager for Newbuild, UK & Ireland, Wärtsilä Marine. “These three new vessels feature the very well proven and reliable Wärtsilä 32 main engine. The engine not only optimises fuel consumption but also has the ability to operate on various types of fuel today while being an engine design platform ready for future fuel marine market requirements. We are delighted to support Pritchard-Gordon Tankers with solutions that will complement its fleet renewal programme.”
The ships have been designed by FKAB Marine Design and are under construction at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou) Dingheng shipyard. The Wärtsilä equipment for the first two ships is due to be delivered in 2024. The order for the equipment of these two vessels was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3 2023. The Wärtsilä equipment for the third vessel will be delivered during 2025 and 2026.