The factory construction is proceeded with the program as planned. Now cumulative progress is above 50% and the shop will be completed end of April,2008. And all equipments for shop test and other facilities will be finished end of June,2008. The production will start from 15 June,2008. The first engine will be delivered early of November 2008. WHEC already secured more than 50 engines and it is anticipated a lot of order from this year. Because nowdays the price of crude oil has been increased rapidly and the demand of clean energy is soaring. Almost all ship owners want to install Wartsila 50DF engine for their LNG carriers because it has many advantages comparing with traditional steam turbine. Last year new LNG market was depressed but from this year a prosperous condition is expected. WHEC will exert its best efforts to meet the demand of customers.
Main benefits
1. Highly efficient: 43% compared to 29% efficiency of today’s steam turbines.
2. Less power required: Uses the same power for propulsion and cargo handling.
3. Reduced emissions: NOx reduced by 80%, CO2 reduced by 20%, and SOx emissions eliminated.
4. Reduced size: Allows greater installation options and optimization of ship design.
5. Variable-speed drive: Ensures that full torque is available throughout the entire speed range and full power for negative RPM improving maneuverability and crash stop situations.
6. Redundancy in electrical equipment: Maintain approxmately 70-90% of full speed with single failure.
Maintenance can be performed during normal operations.