Wärtsilä has won a contract to supply the engines and a range of electric solutions for two new Finnlines’ ropaxes under construction at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) in China.
The order for the engines was placed in July, 2020, with the remaining Wärtsilä equipment contracted in September, 2020.
The two ‘Superstar’ vessels will operate between Finland and Sweden and will feature Wärtsilä 46F main engines, thrusters, and an electric package.
This includes a hybrid shaft generator system, comprising a fully integrated multidrive capable of driving the shaft generators in both directions as motors and/or generators. Also included are thruster control system, and an energy management system for performance optimisation. This will enable the vessels to operate free of emissions on either batteries or shore power while in port, the company claimed.
“This investment is aimed at energy efficiency and emissions reduction and is part of our intention to lead the development of energy-efficient transport services in the Baltic Sea region. We have Wärtsilä solutions in most of our ships, so we are familiar with the efficiency and reliability they offer,” said Mikael Lindholm, Finnlines’ Head of the Newbuilding Department.
“High efficiency and sustainable operations are increasingly becoming the key focus areas for ferry operators around the world, and our range of products, systems, and integrated solutions are designed and developed to achieve the highest levels of performance in these areas.
“This latest Finnlines order is further evidence of the success of this approach. These new ferries will be among the most eco-friendly ferries of their type, setting new standards for sustainability and energy efficiency,”Mika Ojutkangas, General Manager, Sales, Wärtsilä Marine Power, added.
The 230 m long ferries will carry around 1,100 pax and will have 5,100 lane metres for rolling freight.
Wärtsilä’s equipment is scheduled to be delivered to the shipyard commencing in spring 2022, and the vessels are expected to enter service the following year.
