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Finnlines, a ro-ro and passenger vessel operator with services in the North and Baltic Seas, has contracted Wärtsilä to supply three of its vessels with exhaust cleaning scrubber systems.

The deal is a repeat order with Wärtsilä, as Finnlines inked a similar contract in 2014 to have six of its ships fitted with Wärtsilä's exhaust gas cleaning systems. This latest contract is booked in the third quarter. The equipment is scheduled for delivery in early 2016.

"We are very pleased to call on Wärtsilä again to provide us with the latest emissions abatement technology and know-how. This is an important step towards having our entire Baltic fleet scrubber equipped and in fully operational service," said Tapani Voionmaa, Group General Counsel, Finnlines Plc.

"Repeat orders are always very satisfying as they represent confirmation that the performance of the systems delivered earlier fully meets the owners' needs and expectations. Wärtsilä is the market leader in scrubber systems for marine applications. We have a very strong track record in enabling ship owners and operators to comply with all SOx [sulphur oxide] emission regulations," commented Juha Kytölä, Vice President, Environmental Solutions, Wärtsilä.

The system selected for the three vessels is Wärtsilä's hybrid in-line scrubber system. This system configuration provides the flexibility to operate in both open- and closed-loop modes. Furthermore, the compact in-line version provides an efficient space and weight saving solution, the manufacturer says.

The International Maritime Organization's (IMO) stringent sulphur oxide emissions regulations came into effect from the beginning of 2015. The Wärtsilä systems clean the exhaust, thereby enabling the ships to continue operating on heavy fuel oil. The Wärtsilä scrubber systems also comply with the water discharge criteria set by regulators.