Canadian OFSVs gain low-noise propulsion
Three Canadian Coast Guard research ships have been fitted with a low-noise propulsion system from Wärtsilä Corporation.
The Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels (OFSVs) were built for the Canadian Coast Guard by Seaspan Shipyards in Vancouver.
The final ship (CCGS John Cabot - pictured) was delivered on 8 October, following CCGS Sir John Franklin and CCGS Capt Jacques Cartier .
Wärtsilä designed the propellers to deliver a high-cavitation inception speed to comply with low underwater radiated noise requirements. Other elements provided by the company included the shaft line assembly; seals and bearings; and the transverse thruster with e-motor and variable speed drive.
Equipment from Wärtsilä is installed in about 85% of all Canadian Coast Guard vessels, including major propulsion and engine-related solutions in some 50% of the fleet.
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