P&O Ferries has contracted Wärtsilä to power its new double ended ropaxes.
They will be powered by Wärtsilä 31 type engines, claimed in the Guinness World Records to be the world’s most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine.
The engine’s high level of fuel efficiency also reduces exhaust emissions. P&O said that the new vessels “will be the most sustainable ships ever to sail the English Channel, setting new standards for reliability and cost efficiency.”
“We have worked closely with P&O Ferries and their naval architects on the design of these ships, and in their drive for greater efficiency and lower emission levels that can deliver more sustainable operations. The Wärtsilä 31 is absolutely the right choice for meeting these requirements,” said Karls Hinks, Wärtsilä Marine Power’s Sales Manager.
Each ship will feature four 16-cylinder Wärtsilä 31 engines. Delivery to the yard will commence in the second quarter of next year.
Each engine will be fitted with Wärtsilä Data Communication Units, which use artificial intelligence and are supported by the company’s Expert Insight condition monitoring platform, which maximises uptime and lowers operating costs.
The 230 m long, double-ended ropaxes will operate between Dover and Calais.
