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Leading system integrator and solutions provider, Wärtsilä, has extends its offering in the low-speed X-generation engine series with the new Wärtsilä X92 engine, to the upper end of its portfolio with a bore of 920 mm.

The new engine, said to be extremely efficient in terms of fuel consumption and emissions, will serve the market for large and ultra-large container vessels with a size above 8,000 TEU to any size under construction and beyond. The first 92-bore engine is planned for delivery in 2014.

"The Wärtsilä X92 is designed based on known and validated concepts and employs well-proven Wärtsilä electronically-controlled common-rail technology. Thanks to these technologies, the Wärtsilä X92 will be very efficient in terms of fuel consumption and emissions. Savings in fuel consumption of up to 10 per cent and even beyond are expected compared to today's fleet. This directly reduces the emission levels of carbon dioxide, making it easier for the shipyard to achieve a better Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). Subsequently, emissions of sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides decrease as well, compared to earlier solutions," Wärtsilä said.

The RPM and power range offer flexibility for a wide variety of vessel speeds. Wärtsilä X-series engines feature an extra long stroke and reduced engine revolutions allowing a larger propeller diameter.

Wärtsilä launched its low-speed X-generation engine series in May 2011 with two mid-sized engines Wärtsilä X62 and Wärtsilä X72, designed specifically for merchant vessels that use mid-size low-speed engines, such as capesize bulk carriers, Panamax bulk carriers, Suezmax tankers and Panamax container vessels.

The Wärtsilä X-series includes also the Wärtsilä X35 and Wärtsilä X40 engines, which cover the small-bore end of the market and provide power for a wide variety of ship types, such as small bulk carriers and product tankers, general cargo vessels, reefers, feeder containerships, and small LPG carriers. The first of the new electronically controlled Wärtsilä X35 low-speed engines was started in November 2011 and passed its factory test in February 2012.

"We believe that this series of electronically controlled low-speed, two-stroke engines is absolutely in line with the current and future needs of the marine sector, and the new Wärtsilä X92 is an essential addition to the series. Container vessels are a vital element within the transportation infrastructure supporting the global economy. With the environment and fuel economy likely to be the future market drivers, Wärtsilä is positioned as the most suitable systems provider for extended ship power solutions," said Lars Anderson, Vice President, Wärtsilä Ship Power, Merchant.