Finland-headed marine- and energy engineering and technology major Wärtsilä Oyj has announced that it will supply the engines, waterjets, and fuel storage and supply system for a new high-speed catamaran ferry. The vessel is being built at the Incat shipyard in Tasmania, Australia on behalf of Argentinian ferry operator, Buquebus.
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Wärtsilä has a long-standing relationship with Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd (Incat), a global leader in aluminum ship technology. Incat provides optimal lightweight ship solutions for ferry operators, special service providers, and military applications.
At a probable 13 000 gross registered tonnes, a width of 32 metres, and the capacity to carry 2 100 passengers and 226 cars, it is set to be the largest aluminum catamaran ever built by Incat to date.
The order with Wärtsilä was placed in July 2022.
We have selected Wärtsilä waterjets many times in the past, and have always been extremely satisfied with their performance, said Tim Burnell, CEO of Incat.
The 130-metre vessel will join the other Incat ships already serving various ports on the River Plate (Rio Plato) between Argentina and Uruguay and it will have a top speed of over 40 knots.
LNG as the primary fuel
The vessel will be equipped with Wärtsilä’s 31 dual-fuel engine technology using primarily liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel produced at Buquebus own LNG plant.
The vessel will also incorporate shaft e-motors powered via the main engine gearboxes taking further advantage of Wärtsilä’s LNG technology.
This though is the first time we will include Wärtsilä engines, and we are excited about the potential they provide. This will be the world’s largest and greenest vessel of its type, and we are very happy to be working with Wärtsilä to make the project a huge success, Tim Burnell said.
With LNG, the reduced emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter (PM) will make the ferry Tier III compliant and able to operate in Emission Control Areas (ECAs).
The full scope of supply the value of which has not been disclosed comprises four Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel engines, four Wärtsilä WXJ1500SR waterjets, and two Wärtsilä LNGPac fuel storage, supply, and propulsion control systems.
The equipment will be delivered to the shipyard in Hobart, Tasmania commencing in mid-2023.
This is indeed an exciting project. Our latest WXJ generation axial flow waterjets reduce the installation footprint on average by approximately 25 percent, compared to non-axial flow jet designs. They also give a higher power-to-weight ratio and come with an advanced Propulsion Control System. Combining this with our highly efficient, fuel-flexible engines, means that it is a truly future-proof investment, said Mikko Mannerkorpi, General Manager, Sales, Wärtsilä Marine Power.
Most powerful in its class
According to Wärtsilä, the Wärtsilä 31DF is the most powerful engine in its class. It has a power output ranging from 4.6 to 9.6 MW at 720 and 750 rpm. It features exceptional fuel economy while maintaining outstanding performance across the entire operating range.
The higher output per cylinder provides a compact footprint and a cost-efficient installation. The diesel version of the Wärtsilä 31 has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine.
