A new platform supply vessel (PSV) to be built for operations in arctic conditions is to be designed and powered by Wärtsilä. This is the first confirmed contract for Wärtsilä Ship Design's new series of arctic PSVs.

Wärtsilä will also supply an integrated package that includes machinery, and the electrical and automation systems, including the patented Wärtsilä Low Loss Concept (LLC). The company says this highly redundant diesel-electric system provides additional reliability for continuous operation in various failure modes.

The contracts with Kleven Verft AS were signed in January. The ship will be built at the Kleven yard in Norway on behalf of REM Offshore AS. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2015, and will feature Wärtsilä Ship Design's VS 485 design.

The ship will be strengthened and equipped for arctic operations, with the hull and propulsion fitted to comply with DNV ice class ICE 1B. This verifies that the vessel has sufficient strength, power, and equipment to operate in arctic conditions.

Furthermore, the vessel will be readied for cold climate conditions according to the DNV class Winterized Basic guidelines. This notation includes requirements for maintaining safety and vessel operability in ice, under icing conditions, and at low temperatures. The new Wärtsilä design broadens its 485 range with an arctic option.

"There is increasing oil company exploration being carried out in northern Russia, Greenland, the Barents Sea, and other arctic waters,” said Åge Remøy, CEO of Rem Offshore AS. “This requires vessels specifically designed for these conditions, and Wärtsilä has shown that it can efficiently meet such needs."

The Wärtsilä LLC will enable the vessel to fulfill Environmental Regularity Number (ERN) of 99.99.99. The ERN rating represents the capability of a vessel to maintain its position and normal operations under certain weather conditions. Wärtsilä is the first supplier capable of providing such a high ERN.