The technology group Wärtsilä will supply a broad scope of solutions that will support Hurtigruten, the world’s largest expedition cruise operator, in its push for greener and more sustainable shipping. Hurtigruten, considered one of the world’s most sustainable cruise operators, is converting an additional three vessels to become premium, hybrid-powered expedition cruise ships. The order with Wärtsilä was placed in the second quarter of 2019, and covers the MS Finnmarken, the first of the three vessels to be upgraded. Following the conversion project, the 140 meter, 530 guest MS Finnmarken will be renamed to MS Otto Sverdrup.
The scope includes upgrading the ship’s Wärtsilä engines for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to restrict emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Four Wärtsilä Nitrogen Oxide Reducer (NOR) systems will be installed for this conversion. Wärtsilä will also deliver two Energopac systems. The integrated propeller and rudder design of the Wärtsilä Energopac utilises advanced hydrodynamic technology to optimize propulsion efficiency. This enables effective savings in fuel, costs, and emissions. The ship will also have the capability to operate on battery power to further lessen its environmental footprint.
“We have enjoyed a good customer relationship with Hurtigruten for many years, and we are pleased and honored to have been selected to supply our sustainable solutions to a company that is committed to protecting the environment. The fact that we could deliver Tier III certificates for the total installation was a significant factor in the award of this contract,” says Cato Esperø, Head of Sales, Service Unit Nordics and Baltics, Wärtsilä Marine.
“At Hurtigruten, the push for sustainable solutions and introduction of green technology is the core of everything we do. We operate in some of the most spectacular areas of the world. This comes with a responsibility,” says Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten.
The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery in December of this year. Hurtigruten has announced that all new additions to its fleet, as well as its existing vessels, will be made compliant with the IMO’s Tier III regulations.
Wärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising sustainable innovation, total efficiency and data analytics, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2018, Wärtsilä’s net sales totaled EUR 5.2 Billion with approximately 19,000 employees. The company has operations in over 200 locations in more than 80 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
In the Philippines, Wärtsilä started operations in 1992 during the on-set of power crisis in the country. Wärtsilä Philippines, Inc. is a fully-owned subsidiary of Wärtsilä Corporation, a Finnish engineering company focusing on the marine and energy markets with products, solutions and services. Its in-situ field services and workshop in Laguna offers mechanical, electrical and automation services, which include engine overhauling, engine parts machining, governor calibration, and PLC modification.