The technology group Wärtsilä has supplied specialised propulsion solutions for three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels (OFSVs) built for the Canadian Coast Guard at Seaspan Shipyards in Vancouver, Canada. Low-noise propulsion is very important for the vessels’ primary mission, which is to carry out fisheries research. As such, Wärtsilä designed the propellers to deliver a high-cavitation inception speed to comply with these low underwater radiated noise requirements. Delivery of the third of these new OFSV class vessels took place on October 8 this year.

Wärtsilä’s depth of experience in designing and producing low-noise, highly efficient propeller solutions, as well as its leading market position in technologies for research vessels, were key factors in the award of the contract.

“Wärtsilä is proud to have been selected as the propulsion technology partner to Seaspan Shipyards for this important project, which has now culminated with delivery of the third vessel. In addition to enabling quiet propulsion, our fully integrated solutions also reduce both fuel consumption and emissions. The 120 Wärtsilä Canada employees are also proud of the more than Seven Million Dollars in Industrial Regional Benefit offsets we have thus far brought to the Canadian economy during this project,” says Mark Keneford, General Manager, Wärtsilä Marine Power Sales, USA and Canada.

“These OFSVs showcase Seaspan Shipyard’s capabilities as a world-class builder of state-of-the-art vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard. Wärtsilä has been a trusted supplier throughout the OFSV program. Their equipment is key to enabling these vessels to effectively carry out their fisheries science missions with minimal environmental impact,” says Paul Thomas, Vice President, Coast Guard Programs, Seaspan Shipyards.

The Wärtsilä scope of supply for each of the three vessels includes the propulsion solution, comprising the custom-designed fixed pitch propeller, the shaft line assembly, plus seals and bearings, and the transverse thruster with e-motor and variable speed drive.

Wärtsilä equipment is installed in approximately 85 percent of all Canadian Coast Guard vessels. This includes the major propulsion and engine-related solutions in some 50 percent of the fleet.