
Finnish technology firm Wärtsilä has secured a service contract from Norwegian fleet operator Knutsen for four liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier vessels.
The scope of the contract involves reliquefaction plants for the four Knutsen OAS vessels, which will help enhance operational performance.
The contract also covers Wärtsilä’s digital Operim (Operational Performance Improvement and Monitoring) system to deliver real-time data on its on-board equipment.
This system facilitates expert management and helps to cut costs.
Expert technical support, servicing and spare parts support will also be provided by Wärtsilä as part of the contract.
Knutsen OAS Shipping LNG fleet manager Bjørn Hagland Hansen said: “The digital and technical support provided by Wärtsilä are expected to be extremely valuable to us. Having the cargo plant operating at optimal performance at all times will both increase efficiency and reduce our maintenance costs.”
Wärtsilä will also offer guidance to maintain the reliquefaction plant, as well as deliver spare parts during dry-docking of the ships.
The service contract, which will be valid for five years, will come into force from June.
Wärtsilä Gas Solutions business development services manager Sharique Sayed said: “We are able to monitor the equipment in real-time, and have a daily dialogue with the ships’ crews to ensure the best possible performance and deliver any necessary troubleshooting advice.”
Earlier this month, Wärtsilä secured a contract from Viking Line to provide technical management services for Viking Glory, a new climate-smart vessel.