Wärtsilä’s LNG Experience Key To Multi-Engine Order For New Italian Ferry

The technology group Wärtsilä, a pioneer in enabling the viability of LNG as a marine fuel, will provide the main and auxiliary engines, as well as the fuel storage and supply system, for a new Italian ferry designed to operate on LNG. Wärtsilä’s extensive experience in LNG applications, and its broad portfolio of related products, were cited as key considerations in the contract award.

The vessel is under construction at the Sefine shipyard in Turkey and has been ordered by Caronte & Tourist Isole Minori, based in Milazzo, Italy. The order with Wärtsilä was placed in the first quarter of 2021.

Given its environmental advantages, LNG continues to gain popularity throughout the shipping industry. The fuel contains no sulphur or particulate matter and emits only low levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx), while CO2 emissions are some 20 percent less than those from HFO fuel.

The new Caronte & Tourist ferry will operate with Wärtsilä LNG-fuelled engines which emit no sulphur or particulate emissions, and with vastly reduced NOx emissions
Image Credits: NAOS

Wärtsilä’s early development of dual-fuel engines and fuel systems capable of handling LNG, together with the global build-up of a delivery and bunkering infrastructure, has been largely instrumental in enabling its viability.

This latest order comprises two Wärtsilä 34DF dual-fuel main engines, two Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel auxiliary engines, two Wärtsilä Gas Valve Units, and a Wärtsilä LNGPac fuel storage, supply, and control system. The equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard in spring 2022, and the ferry is expected to be delivered in 2023.

“We are very familiar with Wärtsilä and rate both their products and their support very highly. When the decision to operate primarily on LNG fuel was made, it became clear that Wärtsilä was the most experienced and qualified supplier to use,” says Luigi Genghi, Managing Director of Caronte & Tourist.

new ferry showing the layout for where the Wärtsilä engines will be installed. © Pictures courtesy of NAOS
Image Credits: NAOS

“This is our second project for the same owner and shipyard, and repeat orders are always an encouraging testimony of satisfaction. Our reference list of ferries operating with the Wärtsilä 34DF engine is indeed impressive, and we are pleased to add to it with this order. The flexibility of our dual-fuel technology is important for ferry operators because of the importance of redundancy. Should, for any reason, LNG be not available, the engine can switch to a conventional fuel in milliseconds, and the ferry schedule remains uninterrupted,” says Giammario Meloni Senior Sales Manager, Wärtsilä Marine Power

The 109.98 metre long ferry will be capable of accommodating 800 passengers and up to 115 cars on two vehicle decks. It will mainly operate between Milazzo in Sicily and the Aeolian islands.

Reference: wartsila.com

Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction

Latest Shipping News You Would Like:

Get the Latest Maritime News Delivered to Your Inbox!

Our free, fast, and fun newsletter on the global maritime industry, delivered everyday.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *