Wärtsilä prepares solutions for new state-of-the-art Wasaline ferry
An integrated package of products, systems, and solutions from the technology group Wärtsilä will enable a new Wasaline RoPax ferry to be among the world's most efficient and environmentally sustainable ships, the company said in its release.
NLC Ferry operates the Wasaline service between Vaasa, Finland and Umeå, Sweden, and the new ferry, featuring state-of-the-art Wärtsilä technology, is scheduled for delivery in May 2021. It is being built by Rauma Marine Constructions in Finland.
The orders with Wärtsilä were booked in March 2019. Among the ship's outstanding features will be its hybrid propulsion solution. This will incorporate four highly efficient Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel engines capable of operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biogas. The diesel version of the Wärtsilä 31 has been recognised by Guinness World Records as being the world's most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine. Wärtsilä will also supply the LNG storage, supply and control systems, as well as the thrusters, catalysators, controls, and the integrated electrical and automation systems. The latter will incorporate an energy and power management system to optimise the use and operation of the hybrid power solution. The combination of the Wärtsilä 31DF engines, hybrid propulsion, and LNG and BioLNG fuel will establish this ferry as a benchmark in efficiency and sustainability. The CO2 emissions, for example, will be reduced by more than 50 percent compared to Wasaline's current ferry serving this route.
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 2018, Wärtsilä's net sales totalled EUR 5.2 billion with approximately 19,000 employees. The company has operations in over 200 locations in more than 80 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
