Transport vessel to run on biofuel

Designed to transport offshore wind farm structures and energy wood, it seems only right that the 105m long by 19m beam Aura II vessel is capable of reducing carbon emissions too.

Shipbuilding company STX Finland has contracted Wärtsilä, a company dedicated to power solutions for the marine and energy sectors, to install its engines on board the ship, which can run on biofuel. Wärtsilä will supply three of its 6L20 generating sets, which can be powered by biofuel.

This will be the first ship operating in Europe that can utilise biofuel. However, the engines have been designed to run on conventional marine diesel as well. The biofuel will be produced in Uusikaupunki, Finland, in a refinery operated by the ship's owner.

'This contract clearly demonstrates Wärtsilä's ability to supply environmentally sustainable power solutions without substantial impact on costs to operators and investors,' says Jukka Paananen, business manager, Wärtsilä Ship Power. 'Our technology leadership in engines with diversified and flexible fuel supply options, and our ability to install a compact central diesel electric power plant in an engine room with confined space, were major factors in the award of this contract.'

The vessel will be delivered by Q2 2012.