Wärtsilä has donated an 8-cylinder Wärtsilä 20 engine and generating set to the Marine Engineering Technology Department at Texas A&M University at Galveston in order to help students gain hands-on experience of engine repair, emissions and fuel economy.
The engine and generator sets will help students understand the basics of the engine and gain knowledge on how repairs should be carried out, preparing them for such operations at sea. The real 1.6 megawatt engine that can be found on tugs and ferry boats will assist with furthering students’ education as it represents the kind of engine they will face one they graduate.
Wärtsilä will also offer engine training to the Texas A&M Galveston engineering professors through the Wärtsilä Land and Sea Academy based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Plans are underway by the university to power the donated engine so that students can have the full experience of operating and maintaining a modern engine. Once the genset is operational, Wärtsilä and Texas A&M Galveston will host a campus celebration and unveiling.
The donation represents Wärtsilä’s ongoing industry support programme aimed at helping future maritime sector leaders to acquire detailed understanding of marine technologies. Previously Wärtsilä has donated equipment to a variety of global universities including diesel engines, power take-off controls and controllable pitch propeller and shafting systems to assist maritime sector students.
Aaron Bresnahan, Managing Director, Wärtsilä North America, Inc. commented: “We not only develop technologies that move the industry forward, but are pleased to enhance the training of maritime specialists, naval architects, and marine engineers. We are proud to invest in the future of the US Maritime Industry by donating this engine to Texas A&M Galveston.”
Image: Wärtsilä 20 engine.
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