THE first of the new electronically controlled Wartsila X35 low-speed engines has been successfully started up at the Yuchai Marine Power (YCMP) plant in Zhuhai, reports London's TankerOperator.
The Wartsila X35 is a completely new engine that, together with the Wartsila X40, will cover the small-bore end of the market - a segment where the company has not been present for a number of years, said the report.
The first Wartsila X35 engine was produced at YCMP's new 48,000 square metre plant, in the midst of the largest shipbuilding area of China, and one targetted by Beijing for more shipbuilding development.
Orders have already been placed for both engines. For example, one of the first X35s will be installed on an asphalt carrier. Both engines are suitable for handysize and handymax chemical/product tankers of between 10,000 dwt and 55,000 dwt as well as other types of vessels.