Wärtsilä provides systems, solutions and products for new Wasaline ferry

An integrated package of products, systems and solutions from Wärtsilä technology group will make a new Wasaline ro-pax ferry one of the world’s most efficient and environmentally sustainable ships. NLC Ferry operates the Wasaline service between Vaasa in Finland and Umeå in Sweden. The new ferry, featuring state-of-the-art Wärtsilä technology, is scheduled for delivery in May 2021 and is being built by Rauma Marine Constructions in Finland. 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. Wärtsilä will also supply the LNG storage, supply and control systems, as well as the thrusters, catalyzers, controls, and the integrated electrical and automation systems. The latter will incorporate an energy and power management system to optimize 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% compared with the Wasaline ferry currently serving this route. “This ferry project is a strong endorsement of Wärtsilä’s Smart Marine approach, whereby connectivity and digitization are utilized to create greater efficiency, lower operating costs and better environmental performance. Co-creation with partners and customers is another main element in creating a better industry ecosystem, and we have worked closely with NLC Ferry for more than five years in the development of this state-of-the-art vessel,” said Henrik Wilhelms, segment sales director, Wärtsilä Marine. Wärtsilä’s equipment supply is augmented by a 10-year service agreement, as well as an agreement that enables Wärtsilä to utilize the vessel as an R&D test platform and technology demonstrator.