Wärtsilä will supply the engines for a new purpose-built semi-submersible heavy transport vessel (HTV), which is designed to minimise exhaust emissions and maximise fuel efficiency. The ship, to be named Grand Tour, is being built for Switzerland-based offshore contractor Allseas Group at the Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) facilities in China.
The future-proof Wärtsilä 31 engine was selected because of its modular design, which enables a significant reduction in maintenance requirements and costs, and its readiness to use alternative sustainable fuels.
‘This new HTV strengthens the flexibility of our fleet and how we deliver projects,’ says Sytske de Groot, Manager, Naval Architecture at Allseas. ‘We selected the Wärtsilä 31 engine for its high efficiency, future-ready design and ability to transition to low- and zero-carbon fuels, which supports both operational adaptability and our long-term sustainability ambitions.’
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Four engines with NOx Reducers
The vessel will operate with four Wärtsilä 31 engines, each fitted with a Wärtsilä NOx Reducer for emissions abatement. Delivery is scheduled for the first quarter of 2028.
‘The Wärtsilä 31 engine delivers what the industry needs today and prepares operators for tomorrow. Its exceptional fuel efficiency reduces operating costs immediately, while its capability to convert to sustainable fuels ensures a clear path toward decarbonisation. This makes it one of the most future-ready propulsion solutions available,’ states Stefan Nysjö, Vice President, Power Supply, Wärtsilä Marine.
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Grand Tour
Grand Tour will have a load capacity of 40,000 tonnes, designed to carry the world’s largest offshore structures across oceans and easily transfer them to Pioneering Spirit for installation. It will be fitted with a methanol-ready 24 MW propulsion system, with capability to transition to e-methanol.
The new vessel is designed to fit exactly inside the bow slot of Pioneering Spirit. The Pioneering Spirit is the world´s largest offshore construction vessel. The integration will streamline the offshore installation process, and offer clients a one-stop-shop for transport and installation of large structures fabricated far away from the installation location.
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Braveheart
Wärtsilä has already supplied equipment to a number of vessels for Allseas, including the engines for Allseas’ purpose-built cargo barge Braveheart.
Picture: Wärtsilä will supply the engines for Allseas’ new semi-submersible heavy transport vessel, built to deliver lower emissions and greater fuel efficiency (image by Allseas).
