Wärtsilä has secured the contract to supply the engines and a number of its electrical solutions for two new ferries under construction at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) in China.

The vessels are being constructed for Finnlines, part of the Grimaldi Group, and are planned to incorporate the latest technological and environmental concepts. The order for engines was put in July 2020 and the remaining Wärtsilä equipment was ordered in September 2020.

The two ‘Superstar’ vessels will operate across the Baltic Sea between Finland and Sweden. They will feature Wärtsilä 46F main engines, thrusters and an electrical package.

This involves a fully integrated multi-drive hybrid shaft generator system capable of driving shaft generators in both directions as motors and/or generators. The package also contains a thruster control system and a highly efficient energy management system for output optimization. This will allow vessels to operate free of pollution on either batteries or shore power while in port.

“This investment is aimed at energy efficiency and emissions reduction and is part of our intention to lead the development of energy-efficient transport services in the Baltic Sea region. We have Wärtsilä solutions in most of our ships, so we are familiar with the efficiency and reliability they offer.”

Mikael Lindholm, head of the newbuilding department at Finnlines.

“High efficiency and sustainable operations are increasingly becoming the key focus areas for ferry operators around the world, and our range of products, systems, and integrated solutions are designed and developed to achieve the highest levels of performance in these areas. This latest Finnlines order is further evidence of the success of this approach. These new ferries will be among the most eco-friendly ferries of their type, setting new standards for sustainability and energy efficiency.”

Mika Ojutkangas, general manager, sales, Wärtsilä Marine Power.

The 230 meter long ferries will be capable of carrying approximately 1,100 passengers and will have 5,100 lane meter for rolling freight. The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard commencing in spring 2022, and the vessels are expected to enter operational service in 2023.