Maritime Propulsion

First of its kind hybrid power module Wärtsilä HY makes its debut at Nor-Shipping; first order received from Rimorchiatori Riuniti

Leveraging its technical strengths in both engine design and electrical and automation (E&A) systems, Wärtsilä is launching a fully integrated hybrid power module combining engines, an energy storage system and power electronics optimized to work together through a newly developed energy management system (EMS). The Wärtsilä HY is the marine sector's first hybrid power module of this type, officially launched at the Nor-Shipping conference and exhibition in Oslo, Norway from May 30 to June 2, 2017.

 

There is a notable trend in the marine sector towards hybrid propulsion solutions, which are anticipated to represent a significant percentage of all contracted ships within the coming ten years, Wärtsilä said. The new EMS represents the latest generation integrated control system, and has been specifically designed for this application. It creates a means of interaction with the ship's onboard systems.

 

According to the manufacturer, the Wärtsilä HY will provide a wide range of customer benefits through increased operational efficiency and flexibility, resulting in lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions and improved vessel performance. When operating in 'Green Mode' zero emissions can be achieved. Smokeless operation is also achievable at all load points and in all operating modes, thanks to a new patent pending automation procedure. Furthermore, the reduction in engine operating hours lowers maintenance requirements and extends the intervals between overhauls. The Wärtsilä HY ensures that the overall vessel performance is greatly improved compared to operating on conventional machinery solutions or hybrid solutions, while the higher level of redundancy promotes increased safety. Other benefits include instantaneous load acceptance with rapid response to step-load changes, entire system certification and guaranteed performance.

 

Maritime classification society Lloyds Register (LR) has issued an Approval in Principle (AIP) certificate for the Wärtsilä HY. The certificate is based on technical material and safety analyses, concerning normal operation of the system and a presentation of risk scenarios. In effect it means that the system design as examined can be expected to be granted full approval by classes for actual projects.

 

LR's Marine & Offshore Director, Nick Brown commented, "LR is proud to issue an Approval in Principle certificate to the Wärtsilä HY hybrid power module. LR, like Wärtsilä, is committed to tackling the big challenges facing the industry, especially those environmental challenges related to carbon emissions. LR is focused on supporting the safe and effective introduction of new technologies offering the potential solutions, and Hybrid technology is one of those. We have worked to support Wärtsilä in the realisation of this new product and are delighted to see it launched at Nor-Shipping."

 

"Wärtsilä's unmatched product portfolio and broad range of in-house capabilities and expertise enables us to develop products such as the Wärtsilä HY, which combines technologies from different fields. This development opens the door to a new era of marine technology that would have been unimaginable until very recently," said Giulio Tirelli, Director, Marine Engineering, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.

 

The Wärtsilä HY will have dedicated versions for each category of vessels. While the first versions being made available will be designed for tugs and medium sized ferries. Wärtsilä also sees big potential in other types of vessels as well. This is the first launch of a new product of this type where each individual version is dedicated to a specific market to secure an optimal fit to the requirements of the specific application. 

 

The first order for the new Wärtsilä HY has been placed by Italy based Rimorchiatori Riuniti, the biggest owner and operator of tugs in the Mediterranean Sea region, who signed the contract with Wärtsilä at the Norshipping exhibition on May 30, 2017. 

 

The company's fleet comprises some 100 vessels, a number of which with Wärtsilä solutions already installed. 

 

The Wärtsilä HY will be dedicated to a project for a new 80 TBP (tons bollard pull) harbor tug, making it the first ever project to feature propulsion based on this latest Wärtsilä innovation.

 

The Wärtsilä equipment will be delivered during the second half of 2018, and the new tug is expected to be in service by the beginning of 2019. 

 

“This first ever Wärtsilä HY installation will mark the beginning of a new era in marine propulsion technology,” said Giulio Tirelli, Director of Marine Engineering at Wärtsilä. “Our unmatched in-house expertise and capabilities in both engines and electrical and automation systems, together with our competences in digital developments, has enabled Wärtsilä to lead the way in taking marine propulsion to the next level. This is truly a giant step forward.” 

 

"We are proud to be the first in the industry to embrace this exciting and highly advanced hybrid technology. Wärtsilä is a company we know well, and it is no surprise to us that they are the first to introduce this level of innovation. For us, the Wärtsilä HY will provide operational flexibility, added safety, and of course, environmental sustainability," said Raffaello Corradi, Group Technical Director at Rimorchiatori Riuniti.