Wärtsilä has recently signed a contract to supply dual-fuel engines and propellers for the first floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) vessels of the Dolphin project in Louisiana. This project, currently under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), is recognized as an innovative step in the LNG industry.
Dolphin Project Details
The Dolphin LNG project is located approximately 40 nautical miles off the coast of Louisiana and is designed to meet LNG export needs. FLNG vessels, as an innovative infrastructure, enable the production, storage, and export of LNG directly from the sea, thereby reducing the need for land-based infrastructure and accelerating project development.
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Wärtsilä will supply three Wärtsilä 46DF dual-fuel engines along with an advanced exhaust gas treatment system (SCR) featuring Oxicat technology for this project. Additionally, three internally mountable propellers will be added to the project, which will be the largest propellers produced by Wärtsilä and also the largest operational propellers globally.
Features of the Engines and Propellers
This equipment is designed to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve operational capabilities. The patented design of the removable propellers allows for maintenance during operations, which helps minimize downtime and improve lifecycle performance.
Bjorn Oxfords, Senior Hall and Marine Engineer for the Dolphin project, stated that "the ability to disconnect in the event of a storm warning and move to a safe location is essential for an FLNG vessel off the coast of Louisiana." These features include the ability to maintain the propellers before the storm season, which contributes to the safety of the crew and assets.
The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery starting in the third quarter of 2027, and the vessel is expected to enter operations in early 2030. The Dolphin project is considered a significant initiative in the energy industry, and the close collaboration between Wärtsilä and SHI during the design and engineering phases has helped meet the specific needs of the project.
Youngjin Jung, Vice President of the Marine Supply Team at SHI, added: "We are pleased to continue our collaboration with Wärtsilä on the Dolphin LNG project. Wärtsilä's dual-fuel engines and steerable propellers, developed through close cooperation between the two companies throughout the project, have helped meet the specific requirements of the project."
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