Wärtsilä Corporation will supply a range of propulsion solutions for nine new-build ferry vessels under construction for Grimaldi Group fleets, as part of the group’s fleet renewal program centered on decarbonized shipping operations. The vessels – four for Grimaldi Lines, three for Finnlines and two for Minoan Lines – are being built at China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Group Weihai Shipyard Co.
The orders for engines, propulsion systems and scrubbers were booked by Wärtsilä in 2025, while the order for the hybrid electric system for the Finnlines vessels was booked in the first quarter of 2026.
All nine vessels will operate with Wärtsilä’s fuel-flexible 46F engines, which are capable of running on sustainable fuels such as methanol. The scope of supply also includes Wärtsilä’s hybrid exhaust scrubber system, to support compliance with tightening emissions regulations, and transverse thrusters to support mooring operations.
The three Finnlines vessels will additionally receive a hybrid electric system designed to improve propulsion efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and support reliable operations. Wärtsilä will also supply two gearboxes, two controllable pitch propellers with shaft lines, and a Wärtsilä ProTouch remote propulsion control system for those vessels, forming an integrated power and propulsion package intended to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
Roger Holm, president of Wärtsilä Marine and executive vice president at Wärtsilä Corporation, said, “Ferry operators face demanding operational requirements, from availability and efficiency to emissions compliance across variable routes. Through close cooperation with Grimaldi Group, we’ve taken a truly integrated approach to meet these needs. We will deliver future-proof solutions through engines capable of running on different fuels, along with cohesive packages of innovative, low-emission technologies, to support the operational performance of these vessels today while enabling flexibility for the future.”
Finnlines’ ro-pax ferries operate the route between Helsinki, Finland, and Travemünde, Germany. Minoan Lines is one of the leading passenger ferry operators in Greece, while Grimaldi Lines provides maritime connections serving Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, Greece and Tunisia.
Wärtsilä will deliver the equipment for the nine ferries between 2026 and 2028, continuing its long-running cooperation with Grimaldi Group companies.
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