Terntank's Chemical Tanker with WinGD X-DF engine passes sea trials

The first dual-fuel two-stroke engine utilising the low-pressure X-DF gas admission technology developed by Winterthur Gas & Diesel (WinGD) has passed the final milestone in its evolution from a technical concept to commercial operation as a marine main engine.

The 5 cylinder, 500 mm bore, Wärtsilä RT-flex50DF engine employing X-DF technology is installed as the main engine driving a single propeller in the Ternsund, a low emissions 15 000 DWT chemical tanker. Ternsund was undertaken by AVIC International Ship Development Co. Ltd. and completed by AVIC Dingheng Shipbuilding Co. Ltd, Jiangdu, China for Terntank Rederi A/S. Delivery is expected by the end of June 2016.

Accordingly, the Wärtsilä 5RT-flex50DF engine, rated with a maximum power of 5850 kW at 102 rpm, was run continuously for several days in its gas mode and a series of automated fuel changeovers from diesel mode to gas mode and back were executed. The engine was run at a range of load points in both gas and diesel mode, including a high load level set to fully exploit the sea margin of the Ternsund with its hull in new condition without fouling. All aspects of the trials have successfully passed, AVIC Dingheng Shipbuilding reports.

With an overall length of 147 m and a beam of 22 m, the 15 000 DWT Ternsund is a twin-hull chemical tanker designed to meet Ice Class 1A. It is the first of four vessels ordered by Terntank from AVIC Dingheng Shipbuilding. The Wärtsilä 5RT-flex50DF engine is matched to a design speed of 14.5 knots. It was delivered to the shipyard in October 2015 by WinGD’s engine manufacturer Yuchai Marine Power Co. Ltd. (YCMP) based in Zhuhai, China. Destined to operate predominantly in northern European waters, with its Wärtsilä 5RT-flex50DF engine the Ternsund will meet the strict limits on oxides of sulphur (SOx) in Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs) due to the extremely low sulphur content of natural gas. At the same time, the X-DF technology also enables compliance with IMO Tier III limits on oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in gas operation without additional exhaust gas after-treatment.

This sustainable solution is the result of the “Into The Future – Baltic SO2lution” project.

Edited from press release by Angharad Lock

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/tanks-terminals/23062016/terntanks-first-15000dwt-chemical-tanker-passed-sea-trials/