Wärtsilä Powers Largest Dry Bulk Carriers
The RT-flex common-rail technology brings benefits to ship owners in terms of great flexibility in engine setting for lower fuel consumption, lower minimum running speeds, smokeless operation at all running speeds, and better control of other exhaust emissions. The RT-flex common-rail technology will also play a key role in meeting the need for tighter emissions control under the forthcoming IMO regulations. The ore carriers will be built by Rongsheng Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries of China. Each vessel will have a 7-cylinder Wärtsilä RT-flex82T low-speed engine with a contracted maximum continuous power of 29,400 kW at 76 rpm. The first of the ships is due for delivery in early 2011 and the twelve ships are expected to be completed in 2012.
China & Brazil Sign $1.6B Shipbuilding Pact
Brazilian mining giant Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (Vale) reportedly signed a $1.6 billion agreement with Chinese Rongsheng Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries to build 12 large ore carriers, according to a report on Xinhua. The ships, each with a 400,000 dwt capacity, are the largest ore carriers to be built in the world. The fleet will have an estimated capacity to carry 30.2 million metric tons of iron ore per year, which represents 31 percent of Vale's shipments to China in 2007, Vale said. According to Vale, the new ships have high safety standards and will reduce the high cost of long haul maritime transportation of iron ore to steelmakers. The first of the carriers is due to be ready in early 2010. All12 carriers should be ready by 2012.
