Aker BioMarine is to build a new energy efficient vessel fitted out with a number of key efficiency improvements and environmentally focused technology.
From the firm, it was informed that this state-of-the-art 168-metre-long vessel will be constructed in China, at CIMC Raffles, Yantai yard, and that it will be specifically designed to have as minimal an impact on the environment as possible.
With a price tag of USD 65 million, the vessel will comply with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Polar Code and will replace Aker BioMarine’s existing support vessel, La Manche.
Video YouTube Aker BioMarine orders Antarctic vessel at CIMC Raffles
“Protection of the environment is an absolute essential for us, and the design of this vessel has sustainability as a primary focus. It incorporates the latest energy saving and environmentally friendly technologies, such as the hybrid propulsion system, and an advanced heat recovery system that helps to reduce the carbon footprint even further,” says Eldar Vindvik, Director Fleet Renewal at Aker BioMarine.
The new support vessel will be powered by Wärtsilä’s award-winning 31 engine. Offering unparalleled flexibility when it comes to fuel choices, the hybrid, 4-stroke diesel engine, sets a new benchmark for emissions performance and also holds a Guinness World Record for fuel efficiency.
“We are proud to have been selected to design and equip this vessel. It will be a customized vessel designed specifically to meet the owner’s operational requirements in a challenging environment. It emphasizes once again Wärtsilä’s comprehensive strengths and capabilities, as well as our broad offering to the marine market,” says Lilli Chi, Managing Director Wärtsilä Ship Design.
Featuring frequency-controlled thrusters, to avoid zero pitch loss and reduce underwater noise, the vessel will also be equipped with Dynamic Positioning capabilities, which removes the need to drop anchor during transhipment, eliminating any impact on the ocean floor.
In addition to minimizing its environmental impact, the vessel is specifically designed and constructed to be able to face the challenging Antarctic conditions head on.
Wärtsilä Transverse Thrusters: The combination of high thrust values with compact dimensions provides additional thrust for a wide range of vessels types.
The new vessel, expected to be ready for the 2021 harvesting season, will also feature a custom cargo handling system from Norwegian supplier Aukra Maritime, which will halve the time it takes to load and unload the processed and packaged krill.
“Protection of the environment is an absolute essential for us, and the design of this vessel has sustainability as a primary focus. It incorporates the latest energy saving and environmentally friendly technologies, such as the hybrid propulsion system, and an advanced heat recovery system that helps to reduce the carbon footprint even further,” says Eldar Vindvik, Director Fleet Renewal at Aker BioMarine.
“We are proud to have been selected to design and equip this vessel. It will be a customized vessel designed specifically to meet the owner’s operational requirements in a challenging environment. It emphasizes once again Wärtsilä’s comprehensive strengths and capabilities, as well as our broad offering to the marine market,” says Lilli Chi, Managing Director Wärtsilä Ship Design..jpg)
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