The first ship to be equipped with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Tier III engine international air pollution prevention (EIAPP) certified Wärtsilä diesel engines has been introduced into service.

The new 72m polar logistics vessel is named L’Astrolabe and has been fitted with four Wärtsilä 20 main engines, two Wärtsilä controllable pitch propellers and shaft lines, as well as the company's reduction gears, nitrogen oxides (NOx) Reducer (NOR) system and a tunnel thruster.

Wärtsilä's NOR system can be used with all the company's medium-speed engines and enables vessels to comply with the global regulations for nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions.

Wärtsilä’s Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust gas cleaning system has also been used for all L’Astrolabe's main engines.

The ship has been manufactured by French shipyard Piriou for the French Southern and Antarctic Lands Administration and will be used to transport personnel and supplies to the Dumont d’Urville research station in Antarctica.

The classification society Bureau Veritas has issued L’Astrolabe’s Tier III EIAPP certificate.

Wärtsilä Marine Solutions Environmental Solutions vice-president Juha Kytölä said: “We have been pleased to deliver this combination of engines and SCR systems in the same scope of supply, and take full responsibility for exhaust gas emissions, performance, documentation, statutory approvals and certification.

“Such packages are convenient for shipyards and ship operators, and triggered by IMO regulations are expected to be specified by an increasing number of shipyards and shipowners.

“The engine needs to be SCR compatible, and the SCR should be fit for purpose.”

L’Astrolabe is configured with a helideck that can accommodate two helicopters.

The vessel is capable of carrying 60 personnel and 1,400t of cargo.

Image: L’Astrolabe vessel. Photo: courtesy of PIRIOU.