Wärtsilä power and positioning systems have been selected for ships being built for use by the Brazilian energy giant Petrobras. The proven reliability and superior efficiency of these systems, which results in lower operating costs, fewer emissions and less maintenance, are cited as reasons for their selection. 
Wärtsilä, the marine industry's leading solutions and services provider, has been contracted to supply integrated power solutions to six new offshore Pipe Laying Vessels (PLVs) being built for operation in Brazilian waters. The majority of these orders have been booked before the second quarter of 2012. 
The PLVs will be operating for the Brazilian multinational corporation Petrobras, one of the world's leading energy companies, for the construction of pipelines from offshore oil rigs to the mainland. The six vessels are to be built by three different companies at yards in the Netherlands, Brazil and South Korea. 
The Wärtsilä solutions selected for the six vessels include design, main engines, and propellers and will be delivered during the fourth quarter of 2012 and the first quarter of 2013. The first vessels are scheduled to be launched in 2014, with all six to be fully operable before the end of 2015. 
"We have been selected to supply all six vessels in the tender, for which the owners, shipyards, and even the design are different," says Magnus Miemois, Vice President Ship Power Offshore. "This is a notable achievement for a number of reasons. In the first place, it is recognition of Wärtsilä's experience and expertise in supplying high quality, reliable, and efficient integrated solutions. These contracts also strengthen Wärtsilä's installed base in Brazil, which is fully supported by our local service organisation. This means that customers are assured of well proven, highly efficient, reliable equipment, backed by 24/7 service capability close to the area of operation."