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With the signing of a new three-year framework service agreement, Wärtsilä and Van Oord, the Netherlands-based contractor for dredging and offshore projects, have entered into an exclusive partnership for all field service and parts supply. The agreement covers preventive and corrective engine maintenance on Van Oord's fleet of dredging and other vessels.

The contract has a total value of EUR 30 - 40 million over three years and was signed on February 13, 2014 in Rotterdam.

The framework agreement will enable both parties to plan the required service work well in advance, thereby ensuring minimal vessel downtime and the effective use of human resources. Van Oord will also benefit from the latest Wärtsilä technological developments on the ships' engines, including upgrades that offer reduced consumption of fuel and lubrication oil.

Wärtsilä will allocate a dedicated, permanent, team to support the Van Oord vessels included in the agreement. The team will coordinate activities on a worldwide basis, focusing on value creation, energy efficiency and a sustainable supply chain.

"The crucial benefit of this agreement is that it enables greater efficiency with regard to maintenance. The aim is to enhance the technical performance of our engines and optimise overhaul processes, which together will result in lower energy consumption and a cut in emissions. The reduction of CO2 and SOx is of vital importance, and Van Oord is committed to delivering a valuable contribution to that goal. The agreement reflects the new Van Oord strategy in which we want to be sustainable and an economical fleet manager," said Jaap de Jong, Director, Ship Management at Van Oord.

"Wärtsilä works hard in helping its customers maintain long-term certainty of operations, something that is essential in today's marine sector economic climate. With the most comprehensive global service network in the industry and worldwide logistics for spare parts supply, we are uniquely positioned to work in partnership with our customers to ensure lifecycle optimisation of their vessels' operations," said Peter Bos, General Manager, Sales, Wärtsilä Netherlands.

"Ship owners are increasingly opting for tailored service and maintenance agreements. During recent years, Wärtsilä has signed many such agreements, collaborating with ship owners to develop agreements that are uniquely adapted for each vessel," Wärtsilä added.