The new pelagic vessel under construction for Shetland owners Research Fishing Company at the Vard Group yard in Norway will be fitted with a Wärtsilä 31 main engine.
The new 79.80m LOA by 16.20m beam Research is being built to Skipsteknisk’s ST-126 design by Vard Group (Vard Langsten) with the hull to be constructed in areas around the Langsten yard.
It will feature several innovations. The winches are electric, and Research will also have the first electrically-powered fish pump. The engine is based on common rail technology to achieve the lowest possible fuel consumption and emissions, and Research’s owners have opted for an ultra-efficient Wärstilä 31 main engine.
‘This vessel has been designed to meet our needs well into the future. For this reason the machinery on board has to be the best available, and we believe that by selecting Wärtsilä this requirement is achieved,’ said skipper and co-owner Gary Williamson.
Wärtsilä will also supply the whole propulsion system, including the gearbox, the controllable pitch propeller and the Wärtsilä ProTouch control system, as well as a 8-cylinder and 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 20 auxiliary engines.
‘The Wärtsilä 31 engine is in a class of its own regarding fuel efficiency and total cost of ownership. Its efficiency reduces exhaust emission levels, and provides extended intervals between service requirements. We are proud to have been selected to provide a complete package of solutions for this extremely modern fishing vessel,’ said Wärtsilä’s Stefan Wiik, Vice President, Engines.
Delivery of the Wärtsilä equipment to the Research is scheduled for November this year and the completed pelagic vessel is expected to be delivered to its owners in late 2018.
