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Two new 150-tonne bollard pull anchor handling offshore support vessels (AHOSVs) being built at the Colombo Dockyard in Sri Lanka have been designed by Wärtsilä and are to be powered by Wärtsilä integrated propulsion systems that the company claims are "highly efficient" and are designed to offer a reduction in fuel consumption.

The order was placed in August and the equipment is scheduled for fast-track delivery in July 2015. The 78-metre-long vessels are due to be employed for anchor handling operations in offshore sector applications.

The propulsion system selected for the vessels is to include a 9-cylinder Wärtsilä 32 engine operating on marine diesel oil (MDO). The controllable pitch propeller system and tunnel thrusters will also be supplied by Wärtsilä as part of the agreement.

The various pieces of equipment are to be be fully integrated to ensure maximum efficiency with low fuel consumption.

"Wärtsilä's world class ship design and industry leading capability to offer fully integrated solutions adds significant customer value by ensuring optimal total operating efficiency. Our unique total solution offering, encompassing both ship design and an integrated propulsion system, was a key factor in the award of this important contract. Furthermore, our ability to meet the demanding time schedule for delivery was important to the customer, as was our global service network support," commented Sanjay Verma, Area Sales Director, Wärtsilä Ship Power.

"We are confident that Wärtsilä has the experience and technical know-how to meet our demand for an optimal design with reliability and guaranteed performance. By integrating the various components of the propulsion system, Wärtsilä can reduce the number of interfaces, which saves building time and costs," remakred D.V. Abeysinghe, General Manager (Projects & Engineering) at Colombo Dockyard plc.

There is an option for a further two AHOSVs to be exercised by the beginning of 2015.

Image: Picture of the new anchor handling offshore support vessel designed by Wärtsilä, and which is to be equipped with a Wärtsilä integrated propulsion system.