Wärtsilä to provide comprehensive optimised maintenance for Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages has assigned Wärtsilä the responsibility of the maintenance of Virgin Voyages’ three cruise ships. Wärtsilä will ensure that vessels are powered and operated reliably, efficiently and sustainably, enabling Virgin Voyages to focus on providing its cruise passengers with a unique holiday experience, the company said in its press release.
The comprehensive ten-year Optimised Maintenance Agreement, signed on 30 April 2018, gives extensive responsibility of maintenance to Wärtsilä, allowing Virgin Voyages to provide unique voyage experiences to their “Sailors” – the term Virgin Voyages has coined for their passengers.
Wärtsilä’s Dynamic Maintenance Planning allows maintenance operations to be carried out based on remotely monitored and analysed real-time performance data. This makes it possible to extend service intervals when the equipment does not yet require maintenance. Overhauls can be scheduled to fit the operations of the vessel. Availability is thereby increased and unnecessary downtime minimised. The joint risk and reward scheme allows unique opportunities for both parties.
The extensive agreement includes Remote Operational Support Services, Specific Fuel Oil Consumption (SFOC) meters and calibration, spare parts and technical advisory services for the engines. In addition, Virgin Voyages will receive comprehensive technical support and personnel training.
The three vessels forming the Virgin Voyages cruise fleet will begin operations in 2020, 2021 and 2022. All three will be equipped with technologically advanced Wärtsilä46F engines, Wärtsilä’s Hybrid Scrubber System and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems for exhaust gas cleaning, as well as Wärtsilä’s Nacos Platinum navigation solution.
Virgin Voyages is a joint venture between Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group and Bain Capital. The cruise line will differentiate itself from the competition by offering Virgin-branded, stylish travel experiences to an adult customer base.
Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising sustainable innovation, total efficiency and data analytics, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2017, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 4.9 billion with approximately 18,000 employees. The company has operations in over 200 locations in more than 80 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
