Powering the world’s navies and coast guards

Wärtsilä generating sets are selected for aircraft carriers because of their durability, reliability, cost-efficiency, the extended interval time between required maintenance, and their full compliance with current and foreseen emissions regulations.

We provide generating sets, complete with alternators mounted on a common bedframe, that meet our customers’ requirements for low shock, noise and vibration levels. By utilizing double mounting arrangements and acoustic enclosures, naval standards can be met and exceeded.

Integrated electric propulsion

Wärtsilä’s reputation for excellence and leadership in this field is long established. More than 50 large generating sets, used for the integrated electric propulsion of naval applications, have been delivered.

Auxiliary and emergency generating sets

A wide range of generating sets is available for supplying electric power for the vessel’s hotel load. The reliability and efficiency of Wärtsilä’s power generation solutions have made them the popular choice as the electrical power source in emergency situations.
 

Auxiliaries encompass a wide variety of vessels with different functionalities and operational demands. Our naval experts are highly trained in developing innovative and environmentally sound solutions, providing flexible power and efficiency with low lifecycle costs according to the specific ship requirements.

Working as a partner, using the full Wärtsilä product portfolio available in all aspects of power generation, propulsion, automation and power distribution, we develop reliable solutions based on a diesel mechanical, diesel-electric, or hybrid configuration.

Flexible solutions

The composition and size of auxiliaries vary depending on the nature of each naval fleet and its primary mission. Smaller coastal fleets tend to have smaller auxiliary vessels focusing primarily on littoral and training support roles. Larger blue water navies tend to have sizeable auxiliary fleets comprising longer-range fleet support vessels designed to provide support far beyond territorial waters. Wärtsilä provides tailored-made solutions that are adapted to the specific needs of our customers.

Integrated solution benefits

An integrated approach also means a single contact point for project management and installation; a one-stop shop for all aspects of lifecycle support, and optimized overall performance that incorporates substantial energy savings. As all the systems are engineered to work together, their compatibility and functionality is guaranteed. Risks associated with technical issues and time schedules are minimized.

Lifecycle commitment

Our Services organization currently features more than 11,000 dedicated professionals in 70 countries. The choice extends from parts and maintenance services to a variety of comprehensive, customized long-term service agreements, including performance and operations & management agreements.
 

Wärtsilä delivers waterjet propulsion systems for FPBs and FACs that are designed to meet the needs of a flexible operating profile and high manoeuvrability. Top acceleration, as well as stable, accurate manoeuvring for coming alongside vessels for inspection duties, is assured.

The smaller a vessel, the more difficult it is to manoeuvre it with precision. Through innovative solutions and design, Wärtsilä sets out to be a valued business partner with products capable of meeting these requirements.

Excellent vessel acceleration and manoeuvrability

Wärtsilä waterjets feature high margins against cavitation. They deliver excellent vessel acceleration, from loitering duty to top speed, allowing high engine ramp-up rates. The specifically-designed steering nozzle delivers direct deflection of the jet beam upon exit from the jet pump, for steering response without a dead band. Precise and stable sway manoeuvres are achieved through the addition of yaw rate sensors, thus maximizing the benefit of our optimized steering nozzle.

Easy to install ‘plug-and-play’ waterjet

Keeping the excellent hydrodynamic properties of the large axial waterjet designs, Wärtsilä offers also a competitive easy-to-install package for applications requiring shaft powers of up to 4000 kW. Shipyard installation work is reduced by mounting all auxiliary equipment on the jet frame to form a true “plug and play” package. The “plugging” is limited to welding the package into the hull.

Waterjet long-lasting shape

For large vessel applications, 100% stainless steel jets are common, while for the small vessel market, aluminium jets are used for various applications with only the impeller and shaft in stainless steel. Wärtsilä deviates from this aluminium jet thinking by fitting a full stainless stator bowl in addition to the stainless impeller and impeller shaft. The higher resistance of the stainless steel against abrasion will keep the stator and the stator guide vanes in good shape, long after the initial sea trials.
 

Wärtsilä provides propulsion systems and power generation systems for frontline vessels. We work in close co-operation with the customer to select the most appropriate solution, focusing always on performance, reliability, low lifecycle costs, and integrated logistical support.

The increasing importance of stealth and shock resistance capabilities in fighting vessels, means that the already reliable technology used for commercial vessels requires significant enhancement. Through the development of innovative and integrated solutions, Wärtsilä strives to be the most valued business partner with products that are capable of meeting the most stringent special naval requirements.

High shock resistance, low noise, minimal vibration levels

Navy applications typically specify high shock resistance, low noise and minimal vibration levels. This requires tailor-made solutions that are based on standard equipment. Wärtsilä works closely with navies, coastguards, and shipyards starting from the design phase of the vessel, in order to meet the end-user’s prerequisites. Our expertise in complete solutions also results from our long-standing collaboration with the major institutes in terms of research and hydrodynamic studies.

WARP systems

Unique to Wärtsilä is the delivery of Waterjet And Refined Propeller (WARP) systems. These systems combine controllable pitch propellers with a waterjet. The benefit is that the largest parts of the total installed vessel power can be absorbed by the waterjet. Despite the high level of power, the dimensions of the jet remain relatively small, thanks to the high allowed power density compared to a propeller.

WARP system benefits

With the jet taking most of the total vessel power, the propellers can remain small in diameter and the draft of the vessel can be limited. The result is a very attractive operational profile. The propellers are fully optimized for lower cruising speeds, delivering optimum efficiency with low noise and little vibration. At the same time, the combination of the waterjet and propellers still gives access to higher speeds when required.
 

Wärtsilä has a long and successful track record in delivering equipment for OPVs. Our propulsion packages are developed according to the mission profile of the vessel as defined by the end-user.

These modern vessels perform an array of non-military functions. They are used as fishing vessels, for environmental and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) protection duties, and for law enforcement, as well as many other applications. This means that their propulsion systems have to suit the varying loads that are required in such a diverse operational envelope.

Complete propulsion solutions

No two OPV designs are the same, although typically they have a displacement of between 500 and 3300 tonnes, a speed of up to 25 knots, and a limited weapons and communications fit. Taking into account the vessel’s required operational profile, we propose a customized solution for each application. Our package approach offers real benefits in terms of manufacturer support throughout the life of the vessel.

Perfect match between prime movers and propellers

A significant improvement in efficiency can be achieved by optimizing the propeller design and matching it with the prime movers. Engine selection is a key element in achieving optimum operation, in terms of performance reliability and maintenance. Wärtsilä offers the right configuration, and one that enables the engines to be run as close to optimum efficiency as possible.