This order follows a comparable contract for three VLECs, also under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries, awarded in 2019.

A key reason for this repeat order, which was put in September 2020, was Wärtsilä's unrivalled experience in this area.

These highly specialized ships will also feature a tailor-made and highly efficient reliquefaction unit from Wärtsilä and a unique delivery system for high-pressure ethane fuel.

The entire system will also feature the latest version of Wärtsilä's in-house built Operim remote monitoring and diagnostic tool.

"As the market leader in cargo system designs for VLECs, we are pleased to have been awarded this order. The ships will operate on ethane fuel, so the design of the cargo handling system is very specialised," stated Kjell Ove Ulstein, Sales and Marketing Director in Wärtsilä Gas Solutions.

"We have a well-proven track record in delivering highly efficient solutions for these kinds of projects,” he added.

The new contract is an addition to Wärtsilä's several previous contracts with SHI, including solutions for cargo handling systems, LNG reliquidation and regasification systems and VOC recovery systems, among other contracts.

Maritime Business World