| Wartsila, Convert Tanker to LNG Ops |
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 Wartsila has signed a turnkey contract with Tarbit Shipping of Sweden to convert a product tanker to LNG propulsion, and to supply the ship with a Wartsila LNGPac system for the safe and convenient storage of LNG onboard. This is the first order for a Wartsila LNGPac system.The 25,000 dwt product tanker 'Bit Viking' is operated by Statoil along the Norwegian coastline, and the conversion will enable the vessel to qualify for lower NOX emission taxes under the Norwegian government's NOX fund scheme. "By carrying out this large-scale conversion project, and equipping the vessel with the new Wartsila LNGPac system, the ship's emissions will be significantly reduced. This obviously is of tremendous benefit to the environment, and is in line with both the letter and the intent of the Norwegian government's NOX fund initiative," said Torkel Hermansson, Managing Director of Tarbit Shipping.  The contract covers the conversion of the ship's two main engines to gas-fuelled propulsion, all adjustments to the ship's systems necessitated by the conversion, the updating of the vessel's classification certificate, and the supply and installation of the Wartsila LNGPac system, including two 500m3 LNG storage tanks. Wartsila is responsible for carrying out everything involved in the contract, and the schedule calls for completion by June 2011.The 'Bit Viking' has twin screw propulsion, with each screw currently powered by a 6-cylinder in-line Wartsila 46 engine running on heavy fuel oil (HFO). The conversion involves changing these to 6-cylinder in-line Wartsila 50DF dual-fuel engines that will operate on LNG. The Wartsila LNGPac is a total system developed by the company to enable the safe and convenient storage of the gas fuel onboard ship, and to facilitate bunkering operations. The Bit Viking is built with double engine rooms, propellers, steering gears, rudders and control systems. After conversion, the 'Bit Viking' will be one of the safest and most environmental friendly 25,000 ton product tankers in the world. The Bit Viking will be fitted with the first ever Wartsila 50DF engine with mechanical drive and is, therefore, a breakthrough for both the company and for the industry as a whole. Furthermore, it shows Wartsila's commitment to adding value to its customers' operations throughout the lifecycle of their installations." 
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