‘Bit Viking’ becomes the first vessel converted to LNG operation by Wärtsilä

The re-commissioned vessel is operated by Statoil along the Norwegian coastline, and the conversion carried out by Wärtsilä enables it to qualify for lower NOx emission taxes under the Norwegian NOX fund scheme. The fund is a cooperative effort whereby participating companies may apply for financial support in return for introducing NOx reducing measures.

“This is a major step for Wärtsilä in consolidating its market leading position in LNG solutions for the shipping industry. The successful sea trials with this vessel provide yet further validation of the viability of LNG as the marine fuel of the future. We anticipate that this development will rapidly accelerate during the coming few years,” said Sören Karlsson, General Manager, Gas Applications, Ship Power Technology.

The ‘Bit Viking’ utilises Wärtsilä’s new LNGPac system, which enables the safe and convenient onboard storage of LNG. The two 500 cubic metre LNG storage tanks are mounted on the deck to facilitate bunkering operations and permit the bunkering of LNG at a rate of 430 cubic metres per hour. The storage tanks provide the vessel with 12 days of autonomous operation at 80 per cent load.

Source: Wärtsilä