Wartsila has secured an order to deliver its engines and fuel gas supply systems for two new RoPax ferries that are under construction at Finland’s Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) yard.
These ferries are being built for Australian ferry fleet owner and operator TT-Line Company.
The new ferries will feature approximately 2500 lane metres on two freight decks, with a capacity to accommodate 1800 commuters.
While the first ferry is slated for delivery by the end of 2023, the second one is expected to be delivered a year later.
Each vessel will receive four Wartsila 46DF dual-fuel main engines, three Wartsila 20DF dual-fuel auxiliary engines, and two Wartsila LNGPac fuel storage, supply and control systems.
The company stated that its engines are ‘future-proofed’ to run on alternative green fuels.
TT-Line CEO Bernard Dwyer said: “Since 2002, when the current vessels were inducted into our fleet, the Wartsila engines have delivered both performance and reliability backed by strong service and technical support.
“Keeping in mind the IMO’s stringent emission targets for the future, TT Line has opted for liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuelled ferries.”
Rauma Marine Constructions president and CEO Jyrki Heinimaa said: “Our goal is to be a pioneer in environmentally sustainable technology in shipbuilding, and we want to provide vessels to our customers accordingly.”
At present, TT-Line runs two ferries, Spirit of Tasmania I and Spirit of Tasmania II.
Equipped with Wartsila engines, these ferries serve on the route between Melbourne, Victoria, and Devonport, Tasmania.
The two new 212m-long vessels will incorporate the latest technology and operate on LNG fuel for lower environmental impact.
Last month, Wartsila secured an order to deliver the main and auxiliary engines, along with the fuel storage and supply system, for a new Italian LNG-powered ferries.
