Wärtsilä Sign Van Oord Parts & Service Agreement

Wärtsilä and Van Oord, the Netherlands-based contractor for dredging and offshore projects, have entered into an exclusive partnership for all field service and parts supply. The agreement covers preventive and corrective engine maintenance by Wärtsilä on Van Oord's fleet of dredging and other vessels. The contract has a total value of EUR 30 - 40 million over three years.

The framework agreement will enable both parties to plan the required service work well in advance, thereby ensuring minimal vessel downtime and the effective use of human resources. Van Oord will also benefit from the latest Wärtsilä technological developments on the ships' engines, including upgrades that offer reduced consumption of fuel and lubrication oil.

Wärtsilä says it will allocate a dedicated, permanent, team to support the Van Oord vessels included in the agreement. The team will co-ordinate activities on a worldwide basis, focusing on value creation, energy efficiency and a sustainable supply chain.

"The crucial benefit of this agreement is that it enables greater efficiency with regard to maintenance. The aim is to enhance the technical performance of our engines and optimise overhaul processes, which together will result in lower energy consumption and a cut in emissions. The reduction of CO2 and SOx is of vital importance, and Van Oord is committed to delivering a valuable contribution to that goal. The agreement reflects the new Van Oord strategy in which we want to be sustainable and an economical fleet manager," says Jaap de Jong, Director, Ship Management at Van Oord.

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