Wärtsilä launches new innovative AHTS vessel design at Sea Asia exhibition

21 April 2015

A new AHTS (Anchor Handling Tug Supply) vessel design is being launched by Wärtsilä at this year’s Sea Asia exhibition held in Singapore from April 21 to 23. The focus of the new design is on simplicity, efficiency, low fuel consumption, and a reduced environmental impact.

The equipment solutions are suitable for medium to large size AHTS vessels, where one of the key components is a 2-speed gearbox system selected to meet the design targets of reduced costs and less complexity without compromising operational safety. Wärtsilä estimates that the new design provides a reduction of 20 to 25 percent in fuel consumption compared to conventional diesel mechanical four engine solutions. The exhaust emissions are reduced accordingly.

The hybrid 2-speed gearbox PTI (Power Take In) solution ensures a seamless transfer from one operational mode to another, with the ability to work efficiently in all operational modes. When changing propeller speeds, the arrangement produces no loss in PTO (Power Take Off) power. Crew requirements need not change to operate vessels featuring the new Wärtsilä design as no special electrical skills are necessary.

“Wärtsilä has an impressive track record and extensive experience in producing efficient AHTS designs, all of which are based on proven technology and the utilisation of high quality equipment. As a result, our ship designs consistently set new standards in terms of efficiency and environmental sustainability. Our unique expertise, knowledge, and global support are the keys to maximizing the profits and asset values of our customers,” says Riku-Pekka Hägg, Vice President, Wärtsilä Ship Design

The new Wärtsilä series of AHTS designs features Bollard Pull options of 180 tonnes, with options for 150 or 220 tonnes, and a hybrid propulsion system with a 2-speed gearbox. They are fully compliant with ABS and the latest SOLAS regulations.

Wärtsilä has more than 50 years of experience in ship design. The company’s global capability combines sophisticated European ship design with an Asian cost saving structure. The result is a new generation of ships that deliver high performance plus significant fuel and cost savings.

Sea Asia is Asia’s premier maritime exhibition and conference and will be held in Singapore from April 21 to 23. Wärtsilä will feature the new AHTS design at the stand in Hall B2, Booth D01.




The focus of the new Wärtsilä AHTS vessel design is on simplicity, efficiency, low fuel consumption, and a reduced environmental impact. Images by Wärtsilä Corporation

Technical specifications
Length over all 83.00 m
Deadweight 3500 tonnes
Deck area 670 m2
Speed 15.6 knots
Bollard pull 180 T

Design highlights
• Based on proven design, and all products proven in other systems and references.
• Easy and safe to operate with seamless load sharing due to 4 medium speed engines and mode selection in PMS.
• Reduced risk, Integration between the products and design secures the construction, performance and operation.
• Flexibility in selection of AHTS equipment/suppliers.
• Low cost (Capex and Opex) due to the equipment solution.
• Increased Reliability and redundancy without adding additional components.
• Reduced emissions and fuel consumption due to the system that enables optimum engine loads.


Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising technological innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximizes the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2014, Wärtsilä's net sales totalled EUR 4.8 billion with approximately 17,700 employees. The company has operations in more than 200 locations in nearly 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland.

Wärtsilä Corporation press release