Wartsila to power Mediterranean's first LNG-fueled passenger ferry

Balearia1

(HELSINKI) — Wartsila has signed a contract with Construcciones Navales del Norte SL (LaNaval) shipyard in Sestao, Spain for the design and supply of the LNG power and propulsion installation for a new ro-ro passenger ferry. There is also an option for a second vessel. The ship is being built for Spanish owner Balearia, a leading operator serving the Balearic Islands. Wartsila will also provide inclusive project support services to the yard, including integration engineering and on-site consulting, as well as commissioning of the combined systems. The contract with Wartsila was signed in August.

When entering regular service in 2019, this eco-efficient "smartship" will be the first gas-propelled ro-ro passenger ferry operating in the Mediterranean Sea, and among the largest ferries in Europe. It has a length of 761 feet and a capacity for 331 vehicles and 1700 passengers, 70 percent of whom can be accommodated in cabins. Because of the ship's extensive accommodation facilities and the need to prioritize passenger comfort, stringent standards to reduce noise and vibration will be applied to Wartsila's main and auxiliary engines, propellers, and maneuvering thrusters.

By sailing on natural gas, the environmental footprint of the vessel will be greatly reduced. In comparison to standard marine diesel fuel, Wartsila's LNG solution reduces CO2 emissions by 25 percent, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 85 percent, while sulfur and particulate matter are virtually entirely eliminated.

The full Wartsila scope of supply for this contract includes four eight-cylinder Wartsila 50DF dual-fuel main engines, four nine-cylinder Wartsila 20DF dual-fuel auxiliary engines, the Wartsila LNGPac fuel storage and management system, two twin/single out gearboxes, two Wartsila controllable pitch propellers (CPP) with the Wartsila ProTouch bridge control system, two Wartsila transverse thrusters, plus comprehensive engineering, project management, and on-site yard support services. The Wartsila equipment is scheduled to be delivered to the yard in mid-2017.

By Professional Mariner Staff