Wärtsilä launches HY hybrid tug design for Chinese market

Technology group Wärtsilä has adapted its hybrid tug design to meet the needs of the Chinese market. This version of the Wärtsilä HYTug, which was announced at the Marintec conference and exhibition in Shanghai earlier this month, has received an Approval-in-Principle recognition by the China Classification Society. The design of the Wärtsilä HYTug is based on Wärtsilä’s fully integrated hybrid power module, combining engines, an energy storage system using batteries, and power electronics optimised to work together through a newly developed energy management system. It is available in three different hull sizes: a 28m (92ft) harbour tug with a 50t bollard pull, a 29.5m (97ft) harbour tug with a 75t bollard pull, and a 35m (115ft) escort tug with a 75t bollard pull. A bollard pull range of 40-90t can be covered with the appropriate Wärtsilä equipment modules. Each design comes with the option to select either diesel-mechanical hybrid or diesel-electric hybrid propulsion. According to the company, when operating in ‘green’ mode, it is unlikely that there will be any visible smoke from the Wärtsilä HYTug as the batteries will pick up the load; at the same time, the noise level of the tug ¬– operating in or close to harbours and populated areas ¬¬– will be notably reduced. “Wärtsilä’s strong support for China’s marine sector is again highlighted with this HYTug design that has been aimed specifically at meeting the needs of this market,” said Riku-Pekka Hägg, VP, ship design, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions. “In developing the design, ensuring compliance with the increasingly stringent environmental requirements in China was a major focus point.” Wärtsilä also used Marintec 2017 to announce the opening of CSSC Wärtsilä Electrical & Automation (Shanghai) Co Ltd (CWE&A), a joint-venture company with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). CWE&A will focus its activities on China’s growing market for advanced electrical and automation (E&A) marine solutions, especially within the country’s expanding cruise industry. Wärtsilä’s range of electric propulsion systems will be available through CWE&A. The company will also offer project engineering, project management, commissioning and supply management services. “Shipping is becoming increasingly high-tech, and advanced E&A solutions are essential for achieving the best efficiency and greater safety,” said Roger Holm, president, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions. “Furthermore, with digitisation now an integral part of shipping’s future, Wärtsilä’s leading position in this field will enable CWE&A to fully meet the needs of its customers well into the future.”