Technology group Wärtsilä continues to provide highly efficient, fully integrated propulsion solutions for fishing vessels with yet another high-profile order. Lunar Fishing Company based in Scotland, is replacing one of its trawler/purse seiners and has chosen Wärtsilä propulsion.
The new Lunar Bow is being built at the Karstensen yard in Skagen and the order with Wärtsilä was placed last month.
‘So many vessels in our fleet are fitted with Wärtsilä engines and other products that we really had no hesitation in opting for Wärtsilä again. This will be the first with the Wärtsilä 31 main engine and we are excited at the operational benefits it offers,’ said Lunar Fishing Company’s Alex Buchan.
The main engine chosen is the Wärtsilä 31, seen as being the world’s most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine. Its outstanding fuel efficiency results in the corresponding benefit of producing fewer exhaust emissions, thereby meeting the industry’s need for lower operational costs and better environmental performance.
Wärtsilä will also supply a controllable pitch propeller (CPP) and a two-speed gearbox. The two gear ratio settings facilitate a reduced propeller speed at an optimal and constant engine speed, which also contributes to achieving lower fuel consumption and reduced emission levels. At low propeller revolutions the hydro-acoustic noise is minimised; an important consideration for the vessel’s fishing capabilities.
Controlling the entire propulsion operation will be Wärtsilä’s award winning ProTouch system, a comprehensive arrangement of levers, touch-screen interfaces, displays, indicators, and modules that ensures optimal visibility for the operator. This promotes added safety, both at sea and in port.
‘We have worked closely with both the owner and the yard for many years, and we are honoured that Wärtsilä has once again been selected for this latest project,’ said Stefan Wiik, Vice President, Engines, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.
‘We are especially pleased that the new Lunar Bow will feature the complete propulsion system from Wärtsilä, including the main engine, CPP, gearbox and ProTouch control system. This is the third fishing vessel with a Wärtsilä 31 main engine that we have on order at the Karstensen yard.’
