Wärtsilä has signed a 10-year Guaranteed Asset Performance (GAP) agreement with French ferry operator, Corsica Linea.
This agreement is designed to ensure optimal performance of the power systems on board the company’s new LNG-fuelled ‘A Galeotta’ ropax, which will sail between Marseille and Corsica.
The 206 m long ship was built by the Italian Visentini shipyard. It features two Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel main engines and two Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel auxiliaries.
Scheduled maintenance of the main and auxiliary engines, the LNGPac fuel gas handling system, and the gas valve units will be undertaken by Wärtsilä.
Maintenance will be carried out following data-driven dynamic maintenance planning principles. This optimises overhaul intervals and allows maintenance work to be performed only as needed without compromising the reliability of the equipment.
Remote operational support is provided round-the-clock from Wärtsilä’s globally located Expertise Centres. This ensures the fast resolution of possible issues without the need for on board service visits.
Furthermore, Wärtsilä’s Expert Insight predictive maintenance service secures asset availability by preventing potential problems before they occur, the company claimed.
Through constant attention to the operational data from the engines, optimal performance can be achieved. Any deviation can be detected and resolved utilising advanced diagnostics and machine learning, backed by the company’s depth of expertise.
The contract also covers guaranteed field service support availability and the time needed for major engine overhauls.
“Wärtsilä’s vast experience in LNG systems and solutions is unmatched in the industry, and their engines and related equipment were selected for this vessel. It is entirely natural therefore that we look to them to undertake the maintenance responsibilities, for which they are uniquely qualified,” said Lionel Adenet, Technical Director, Corsica Linea.
“With this agreement, we can support our customer with the most advanced partnership solution, including performance guarantees. It delivers cost predictability over the 10-year span, and will maximise the ship’s uptime, optimise performance and carbon footprint.
“This is all part of Wärtsilä’s lifecycle support approach, serving the customer with an optimal total cost of ownership,” added Henrik Wilhelms, Wärtsilä’s Director Agreement Sales.
‘A Galeotta’ entered commercial service in January, 2023.
Corsica Linea and Wärtsilä have had a long-standing relationship covering more than 30 years.
Various ships within Corsica Linea’s fleet are fitted with Wärtsilä solutions, and a large-frame agreement has been in place since 2010.
Wärtsilä will also carry out de-carbonisation modelling on two Corsica Ferries ropaxes. The study will create a digital model of the two ships to simulate the effect of various de-carbonisation technologies on their environmental compliance.
This will enable accurate evaluation of the efficiency gains possible through the implementation of the latest technical innovations.
The ‘Mega Express’ and ‘Mega Express II’ are 176 m long sisterships. Both are fitted with Wärtsilä engines and propellers. Propeller re-blading and hybridisation will be among the technologies to be evaluated during the modelling, as will Wärtsilä’s Energoprofin energy saving propeller cap solution, and the company’s fuel consumption reducing air lubrication system (ALS).
“It is a huge benefit to be able to simulate in advance how various products, solutions, and systems will impact efficiency. This will help us in our efforts to de-carbonise fleet operations and meet our sustainability goals. We respect Wärtsilä’s experience and capabilities, and are pleased to continue the good relationship between our companies with this modelling programme,” said Nicolò Verrina, Energy Transition Naval Architect & Ocean Engineer, Corsica Ferries.
“The IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) legislation is driving the industry’s move towards greater efficiencies and reduced CO2 emissions,” added Giulio Pacini, Manager De-carbonisation Services, Project Services at Wärtsilä.
“Wärtsilä’s de-carbonisation services provide the means by which companies can attain a detailed understanding of the best way forward before making hit-or-miss decisions on product purchases.”
Wärtsilä’s fleet de-carbonisation service is designed to tackle the challenge of environmental regulatory compliance. By combining data-driven assessments with expert advice and recommendations, the service enables operators to decide on the optimal route to de-carbonised operations with cost-effective investments.
