Ibrahim Behairy News

Drydocks World (DDW) based in Dubai, UAE, has contracted Wärtsilä to design and supply the propulsion and other equipment for a new harbour tug that will operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG). This will be the first harbour tug in the Middle East region to operate on gas. The order was signed in November. The 29-meter-long tug is the first of a series of nine such vessels to be built and operated by DDW. The project is part of a green initiative launched by the Dubai government, and is intended to set an example for promoting environmental sustainability throughout the region. "We are happy to work with Wärtsilä to promote a green image for our harbour work. Wärtsilä is a solution provider with vast experience and expertise in gas fuel systems.

The environmental sustainability and reduced operating costs of Wärtsilä's integrated propulsion solution were major factors in the winning of these orders. Wärtsilä has been awarded the contract to supply the engines and propulsion equipment for six new Ro-Ro container vessels being built for NSCSA, the National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia. The ships are being built at the MIPO shipyard in South Korea, and when launched will be operated by Mideast Ship Management Ltd, a subsidiary company of NSCSA.